2004 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
233
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
29 complaints
I DRIVE A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA AND IN 2008 IT BEGAN SMELLING OF CRAYONS. THE SMELL HAS SLOWLY PROGRESSED OVER THE YEARS TO THE POINT OF NAUSEATING MYSELF AND MY PASSENGERS. ON MY DRIVE TO WORK THE SMELL IS SO POTENT THAT I AM NOT ABLE TO UST THE A/C AS IT HAS THE SMELL STUCK IN IT AND WHEN THE WINDOWS ARE UP THE SMELL IS VERY BAD. IF YOU EVEN SIT IN THE CAR FOR A MINUTE WHEN YOU EXIT YOUR CLOTHES AND HAIR AND SKIN SMELL LIKE CRAYONS. WHEN THE CAR GETS HOT FROM SITTING IN THE SUN THE SMELL IS VERY VERY STRONG. WHEN OTHER PASSENGERS ENTER MY CAR, THEY EXPERIENCE HEAD ACHES, EXTREME ALLERGY SYMPTOMS, AND SICK TO THE STOMACH FEELINGS. I'VE REACHED OUT TO VOLKSWAGEN THROUGH BOTH DEALER AND THE VW OF AMERICA WEBSITE. DEALERSHIPS SAY THERE IS NO FIX FOR THIS SMELL (CAUSED BY AN OUTGASSING OF SOUND DEADENING MATERIAL). VOLKSWAGEN DENIES CLAIMS OF THIS BEING AN ISSUE. HOWEVER, IF YOU TYPE "MY JETTA SMELLS LIKE" INTO ANY SEARCH ENGINE IT IMMEDIATELY POPULATES WITH "CRAYONS". I AM FRUSTRATED THAT MY CAR PHYSICALLY MAKES ME SICK AND THE MANUFACTURER REMAINS PURPOSEFULLY OBLIVIOUS TO WHAT COULD ONLY BE DESCRIBED AS A DESIGN FLAW. I'M POSTING THIS CLAIM AS A PUBLIC RECORD TO A DESIGN FLAW IN OLDER MODELS OF VWS. *TR
Jul 05, 2014
WHILE DRIVING WITH THE AIR-CONDITIONING RUNNING THERE WAS FOAM COMING OUT OF THE AIR VENTS, HITTING THE FACE AND EYES AND CAUSING A NEAR MISS ON THE HIGHWAY. THE PROBLEM HAS SINCE WORSENED AND FOAM GETS ALL OVER YOUR CLOTHES AND IN YOUR CAR. THE PROBLEM HAS GONE SO FAR THAT THE AIR BLEND IS AFFECTED. THE AIRFLOW COMES FROM ALL VENTS REGARDLESS OF WHAT SECTION YOU HAVE SELECTED. CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA AND THEY ARE SAYING THAT THERE IS NO DANGER AND NO REASON FOR A RECALL. *TR
Jun 03, 2014
I DRIVE A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA AND IN 2008 IT BEGAN SMELLING OF CRAYONS. THE SMELL HAS SLOWLY PROGRESSED OVER THE YEARS TO THE POINT OF NAUSEATING ME AND MY FELLOW PASSENGERS. THIS MORNING ON MY DRIVE TO WORK THE SMELL WAS SO POTENT THAT I HAD TO PULL OVER TWICE TO THROW UP. WHEN OTHER PASSENGERS ENTER MY CAR, THEY EXPERIENCE HEAD ACHES, EXTREME ALLERGY SYMPTOMS, AND SICK TO THE STOMACH FEELINGS. I'VE REACHED OUT MULTIPLE TIMES TO VOLKSWAGEN THROUGH BOTH DEALER AND CORPORATE MEDIA. DEALERSHIPS SAY THERE IS NO FIX FOR THIS SMELL (CAUSED BY AN OUTGASSING OF SOUND DEADENING MATERIAL). VOLKSWAGEN DENIES CLAIMS OF THIS BEING AN ISSUE. HOWEVER, IF YOU TYPE "MY JETTA SMELLS LIKE" INTO ANY SEARCH ENGINE IT IMMEDIATELY POPULATES WITH "CRAYONS". I AM FRUSTRATED THAT MY CAR PHYSICALLY MAKES ME SICK AND THE MANUFACTURER REMAINS PURPOSEFULLY OBLIVIOUS TO WHAT COULD ONLY BE DESCRIBED AS A DESIGN FLAW. I'M POSTING THIS CLAIM AS A PUBLIC RECORD TO A DESIGN FLAW IN OLDER MODELS OF VWS. *TR
Apr 07, 2014
THERE IS A TERRIBLE SMELL THAT MY CAR HAS ON THE INTERIOR NOW. IT SMELLS OF MELTING BURNT CRAYONS. IT IS WORSE IN THE SUMMER OR WHEN I RUN THE HEAT. THE SMELL STAYS ON MY CLOTHES AND OTHER PEOPLE SMELL IT ON ME. IT GIVES ME HEADACHES. (I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE). APPARENTLY IT IS FROM THE SOUND-PROOFING AND FIREWALL? I READ THIS IN A FORUM. THE SMELL IS SOMETHING THAT HAS DEVELOPED OVER TIME AND DID NOT EXIST WHEN I FIRST PURCHACED THE VEHICLE, USED (NOT NEW), IN 2006. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS IN FORUMS AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS AND IT SEEMS THAT VW SHOULD JUST FIX THE PROBLEM OR MAYBE NOT CREATE THE PROBLEM IN THE FIRST PLACE. IF I HAD KNOWN THAT THIS WOULD HAPPEN, THEN I WOULD HAVE NEVER PURCHASED THIS CAR. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER VW AND I HAVE EVEN TALKED SOMEONE ELSE OUT OF BUYING A VW BECAUSE OF THIS. MAYBE IF VW CARED A LITTLE MORE ABOUT FIXING THE PROBLEMS AND LESS ABOUT FATTENING THEIR WALLETS! *TR
Jan 11, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TIMING BELT WAS FRACTURED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE TENSIONER AND ENGINE MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING THE RESULTS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 94,000.
Apr 29, 2011
+ 24 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
29 complaints
VEHICLE EXPERIENCES SOMEWHAT FREQUENT ROUGH OR HARD SHIFTS BETWEEN GEARS, AND REVERSE GEAR HAS SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING MOST OF THE TIME - WILL NOT ENGAGE REVERSE, BUT INSTEAD ACTS AS IF CAR IS IN NEUTRAL (MAKES A SLIGHT ELECTRONIC SOUND WHEN SHIFTED). RENDERS CAR HIGHLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO DRIVE IN REVERSE. CAR HAS ONLY 83,000 MILES, AND THIS IS CONSIDERED A "SEALED" TRANSMISSION BY VOLKSWAGEN; ONLY MAINTENANCE REQUIRED TO THIS POINT IS CHECKING FOR LEAKS (PER MULTIPLE DEALERS AND OWNER'S MANUAL). VERY SIMILAR TO PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED IN MANY OTHER AUTOMATICS W/ THE TIPTRONIC FEATURE IN VOLKSWAGEN (SEE NEW BEETLES OF SIMILAR MODEL YEARS, WHERE VW ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE VALVE BODY). HAVE BEEN TOLD BY NUMEROUS VW-COMPETENT TECHS THAT THE MOST LIKELY CULPRIT IS THE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY, AND THAT VW AUTOMATICS ARE WIDELY KNOWN FOR HAVING THESE PROBLEMS. *TT
Jan 19, 2012
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER SHIFT INTO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE FAILURE WAS 88,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
May 09, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME HESITANT WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THE FAILURE HAD BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT WAS HOW THE TRANSMISSION WORKED AND NOTHING WAS WRONG. THE VEHICLE ALSO MADE A KNOCKING NOISE AND WOULD BECOME SLUGGISH WHEN ACCELERATING. THE DEALER RECENTLY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE VALVE BODY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57396.
Jul 23, 2010
I WAS DRIVING MY 2004 VW JETTA DIESEL TDI 5-SPEED HOME FROM WORK. IT HAS 78,000 MILES ON IT. THE MAJORITY OF WHICH ARE HIGHWAY/INTERSTATE MILES DUE TO MY WORK BEING A LONG DISTANCE FROM HOME. I WAS IN 4TH GEAR DOING ABOUT 45 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON AND WAS ALMOST HOME. I HEARD A "BANG" FROM UNDER THE CAR AND LOST POWER. FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM UNDER THE CAR, AND I COULD NO LOGGER SHIFT GEARS. I HAD IT TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THEY ORIGINALLY SAID A PART OF THE CLUTCH HAD BROKEN OFF AND PUNCTURED THE TRANSMISSION CASE. AFTER ADDITIONAL REVIEW THEY DETERMINED IT WAS A PIECE OF THE "DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL" THAT HAD BROKEN OFF AND DONE THE DAMAGE. I WAS FORCED TO PAY APPROXIMATELY $2,500.00 IN PARTS AND LABOR FOR A NEW CLUTCH, FLYWHEEL, REBUILT TRANNY, ETC... TO GET MY CAR REPAIRED. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM MORE I FOUND THAT THIS PROBLEM WITH VW'S DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL IS A PRETTY COMMON PROBLEM. SEE THIS LINK FOR ONE SOURCE... HTTP://FORUMS.TDICLUB.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=137014&HIGHLIGHT=G60+CLUTCH IF THE DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL HAD EXPLODED UPWARD TOWARD THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR RATHER THAN DOWNWARD THERE LIKELY WOULD HAVE BEEN INJURIES TO THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE. THIS WOULD SEEM TO BE A SAFETY CONCERN TO VW. *TR
Mar 07, 2009
I HAVE HAD THIS CAR INTO THE AUTOMOTIVE SHOP AT THE LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES SINCE DATE OF PURCHASE IN LATE 2007 FOR THE SAME INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WILL DO A HARD JOLTING ACTION WHILE SHIFTING (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) BETWEEN GEARS, AS IF THERE IS A BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT OR A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. I HAVE GOTTEN NO SATISFACTION FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THEY HAVE REPEATEDLY TOLD ME THAT THE CAR SHIFTS PROPERLY ACCORDING TO VW STANDARDS. NOW THAT MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED, I AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL CONTINUE AND LEAD TO MORE COSTLY REPAIRS DOWN THE LINE. HAVING THIS MATTER RESOLVED WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. *TR
Oct 14, 2008
+ 24 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
19 complaints
The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed while it was raining, the windshield wipers were activated; however, the wipers failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the wipers failed to operate. In addition, the contact stated the brake lights failed to function as intended. The contact was informed that the brake lights failed to activate while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the front driver's side window was closed; however, the driver's front side window was independently lowered. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an electrical system failure. The contact stated that the battery, the alternator, the fuses, and the windshield wiper motor were all replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The failure became a persistent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Sep 03, 2025
ALTERNATOR WIRE MELTED PART OF THE BATTERY TOP FUSE BOX. CABLE WAS VERY HOT AND MAY HAVE CAUGHT FIRE IF I HADN'T SMELLED IT FIRST. HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR CABLE HARNESS AND FUSE BOX PANEL.
Apr 25, 2018
THE INSULATION ON THE WIRING OF THE LEFT HEADLIGHT IS DETERIORATED AND FALLING OFF LEAVING THE WIRES BARE AND AT RISK OF SHORTING OUT.
Feb 06, 2018
PASSENGER SEAT (FRONT SEAT) HEATING ELEMENT IS BURNING THE UPHOLSTERY. THE SEAT HEATER WON'T SHUT OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE; EACH TIME THE CAR WAS OPERATING.
Jan 28, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS STARTED TO FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DOOR CHIME SOUNDED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE ONTO THE SHOULDER. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE JUMP STARTED AND DROVE TO A NEARBY PARKING LOT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWO OTHER TIMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE FUSE BOX MELTED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
Aug 01, 2017
+ 14 more complaints for this component
SEATS
19 complaints
SEATS ARE GETTING EXCESSIVELY HOT AND STARTING TO BURN THROUGH THE VISION AND FABRIC. SMOKE IN COMPARTMENT.
Sep 20, 2018
I TURNED ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER AND IT CAUGHT FIRE BURNING A HOLE IN THE SEAT AND BURNING ME. I WAS DRIVING AT THE TIME IN THE CITY. I PORED WATER ALL OVER ME AND THE SEAT AND TURNED THE HEATER OFF.
Mar 28, 2018
MY CLOTHE SEATS CAUGHT ON FIRE TODAY WHILE DRIVING IT FOR ONLY 25 MINUTES THE SEAT WARMER WAS ONLY SET ON NUMBER 2. I WAS SO RETRIED AND PANICKED BUT MANAGED TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HIT IT WITH MY HAND UNTIL IT WENT OUT. IT DID BURN MY HAND. MY VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION THEN I STOPPED. IT WAS IN A CITY STREET FILLED WITH CARS AND CONSTRUCTION WORKERS.
Sep 30, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, FUMES OF SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS A BURNT HOLE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEATING ELEMENT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO GIVE THE SPECIFIC NAME OF THE PART. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
Mar 18, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATED SEAT FUNCTION ON THE DRIVER SIDE BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT ON THE CONTACT'S RIGHT LEG. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Apr 27, 2015
+ 14 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
19 complaints
I WAS DRIVING MY CHILDREN TO SCHOOL IN THE MORNING. THEY WERE DOING CONSTRUCTION ON THE ROADS AROUND MY HOUSE AND ALL THE SEWER CAPS WERE EXPOSED. THEY ARE RE-PAVING ALL THE STREETS. I BARELY CLIPPED ONE AND MY DRIVER SIDE "SIDE" AIRBAGS (HEADLINER AIR BAGS AND THE DRIVER SEAT SIDE AIRBAGS) DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. THERE WAS NO COLLISION, NO IMPACT. I BARELY CLIPPED THE SEWER CAP AND I'M NOT EVEN POSITIVE THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT OCCURRED AT THE SAME TIME. VWOA IS CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING BUT AFTER READING ABOUT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS FOR SOME TIME NOW, I CAN'T IMAGING THAT RUNNING OVER A SEWER COVER AT 15 MPH AND BARELY CLIPPING IT WOULD BE ENOUGH TO DEPLOY THE SIDE AIR BAGS. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AND GET IT TO SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT INJURING MYSELF OR ANYONE ELSE. IT WAS A VERY SCARY SITUATION. STILL WAITING TO HEAR THE OUTCOME FROM VW. *TR
Sep 22, 2014
AIR BAG LIGHT WENT ON. *TR
Feb 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE IMPACT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AROUND AND CRASH INTO A LIGHT POLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO HIS ARMS, LEGS AND FACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Jan 03, 2013
WE WERE STOPPED IN THE TRAFFIC AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THIS TRUCK [2001 CHEVY] REAR ENDED US AT THE SPEED OF 45 MILES PER HOUR AND OUR CAR GOT PUSHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. IN OUR CAR, PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COVER CAME OUT BUT AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE WE HAD GREAT TRUST IN VW [GERMAN CARS] IN MAKING STRONG AND RELIABLE CARS WHICH CAN SAVE LIVES WHICH COULD NOT BE PROVED IN THE ACCIDENT WE GOTTEN INTO. HAD THE IMPACT BEEN LITTLE HIGHER WE COULD HAVE DIED IN THE ACCIDENT. I'M SAD TO SAY THAT OUR TRUST IN VW HAS BEEN SHATTERED AFTER THE ACCIDENT. *TR
Oct 24, 2011
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG HAS TOO MUCH VOLTAGE GOING TO THE BAG AND AS SUCH DEACTIVATED ALL THE AIRBAGS IN THE VEHICLE. *TR
Feb 09, 2011
+ 14 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
10 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TANDEM PUMP BECAME INOPERABLE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000. UPDATED 10/9/15 *LN THE CONSUMER BELIEVED HIS VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE FUEL SYSTEM RECALL. HOWEVER, HIS PRODUCTION YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED. UPDATED 04/11/16.*JB *CN
Aug 25, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS LEAKING AND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BECOME RESISTANT TO STARTING. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V586000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER REGARDING THE RECALL AND THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,500. UPDATED 06/24/11 *BF THE CONSUMER DISPUTED THE DEALERS RESPONSE SINCE HE BELEIVED HIS VIN FELL IN THE PUBLISHED VIN RANGE OF THE RECALL DESCRIBED IN VW'S DOCUMENTATION PROVIDED TO NHTSA. UPDATED 06/30/11
Jun 03, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE WHERE THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED ACCORDINGLY. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT INQUIRED ABOUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V586000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL) HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THEY HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 70,000.
May 12, 2010
MY CAR LITERALLY TURNED OFF WHEN I WAS TURNING A CORNER...LUCKILY I WASN'T ON THE FREEWAY. THE BATTERY WAS FINE. IT TURNED OUT TO BE THE LIFT FUEL PUMP FOR MY 2004.5 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI PD BEW. I WAS CHARGED $400 BY A LOCAL VW MECHANIC. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD CHARGE $800. IF I HAD IT DONE IN TDI CLUB, IT WOULD BE AROUND $200. *TR
Jan 27, 2009
CAR STARTED NORMALLY, PULLED TO ENTRANCE TO ROAD, ENGINE STALLED SUDDENLY AND WOULD NOT RESTART. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, ENGINE STARTED AND RAN NORMALLY. AFTER 10 MILES, STOPPED AT CONVENIENCE STORE. ENGINE STARTED NORMALLY AND ABRUPTLY STALLED WHILE ENTERING INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. AGAIN DIFFICULT TO RESTART, BUT FINALLY DID. RAN FINE FOR NEXT 45 MILES. A THIRD STALL HAPPENED THE NEXT MORNING. ALL THREE STALLS HAPPENED WITHIN 30 TO 90 SECONDS OF STARTUP. SUSPECT THAT THE IN-TANK "LIFT PUMP" WAS FAILING INTERMITTENTLY. THERE WOULD BE ENOUGH FUEL IN THE FILTER TO RUN ENGINE FOR A WHILE WITHOUT THE LIFT PUMP FUNCTIONING. THE LIFT PUMP HAS NOW BEEN REPLACED. *TR
Aug 29, 2008
+ 5 more complaints for this component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
6 complaints
STARTING AT AROUND 130,000 MILES, WHEN GAS TANK IS AT A QUARTER OR SLIGHTLY LESS, THE CAR LOOSES POWER AND ACTS AS IF IT IS NOT GETTING FUEL TO THE ENGINE. WHEN THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY AT TYPICAL HIGHWAY SPEEDS, POWER IS LOST FOR 10-15 SECONDS, RPM DROPS TO AROUND 2000 OR LESS (WHILE IN "DRIVE"). THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE ENGINE JERKS TO LIFE, AND I CAN DRIVE THE CAR NORMALLY, UP UNTIL I HAVE TO REFILL THE TANK. THE STALLING DOESN'T REPEAT ITSELF UNTIL THE NEXT QUARTER TANK. WHEN THE QUARTER OF A TANK ISSUE HAPPENS IN THE CITY AT SLOWER SPEEDS, THE CAR DIES, DASHBOARD ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON, AND I HAVE TO PULL OVER, AND CRANK THE STARTER 3 OR 4 TIMES, AND EVENTUALLY, IT STARTS BACK UP AGAIN WITH NORMAL DRIVING RESUMED. ONE TIME I WAS DRIVING UP A HILL, LOST POWER, AND HAD TO PULL OVER QUICK. WHEN THE QUARTER OF A TANK ISSUE HAPPENS WHILE PARKED, ENGINE AT AN IDLE, THE CAR DIES, AND I HAVE TO CRANK THE STARTER A FEW TIMES TO RESTART THE CAR. THIS PROBLEM ONLY HAPPENS ONCE PER TANK CYCLE, ONLY AT THE (APPROXIMATE) QUARTER OF A TANK POSITION, AND DOESN'T HAPPEN BETWEEN THE FULL TO 1/4, OR THE 1/4 TO EMPTY PHASE. I KNOW I AM NOT OUT OF GAS, AS I'M FILLING UP THE TANK TO NORMAL LEVELS. THE FUEL PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE, AND THE FUEL FILTER ONCE. MY MECHANIC CHARGED $80 TO DIAGNOSE THE CAR, ONLY TO FIND A CODE ABOUT A SPARK PLUG THAT MISFIRED - WHICH OF COURSE WILL HAPPEN DURING FUEL STARVATION. SPART PLUGS REPLACED, BUT THE PROBLEM HAPPEND AGAIN. I'VE CALLED 3 OR 4 VW REPAIR SHOPS, AND NOBODY HAS A CLUE HOW TO FIX THIS, ESPECIALLY WHEN I BRING UP THE QUARTER OF A TANK ISSUE. THE ONLY WAY TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING IS TO FILL UP BEFORE HITTING 1/4 TANK. IRRITATING !!!! ISSUE GOING FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW.
Jan 04, 2020
THE CAR RANDOMLY STALLS WHILE DRIVING WHETHER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR IN TOWN. THIS CAUSES A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES WHICH IS INHERENTLY DANGEROUS IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS. IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS REGULARLY WITH THE PREVIOUS OWNER FOR THE LAST 3 OR 4 YEARS AND HAS DONE IT 4 TIMES WHILE UNDER MY OWNERSHIP SINCE SEPTEMBER 2017 IT USUALLY HAPPENS WHILE THERE IS LESS THAN 1/4 TANK OF FUEL. WHEN IT HAPPENS THERE IS NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NOR DOES THE ECU STORE ANY CODES FROM THE PROBLEM. PREVIOUS OWNER MADE SEVERAL REPAIRS INCLUDING A FUEL PUMP AND FILTER, ENGINE SPEED SENSOR AND ALTERNATOR WIRING HARNESS IN AN ATTEMPT TO FIX THE ISSUES WITH NO SUCCESS. THIS ISSUES ALSO COMES UP REGULARLY ON SEVERAL VW FORUMS AND NO ONE SEEMS TO HAVE AN ANSWER. THIS IS A KNOWN AND REGULAR ISSUE WITH NO CONSISTENT REPAIR AND NEEDS TO BE REMEDIED.
Nov 16, 2017
RANDOMLY STALLS ON THE FREEWAY WHEN DOWN TO 1/4 TANK OF GAS. AFTER PULLING OVER AND TURNING OFF THE KEY AND TURNING THE KEY BACK ON, IT WILL START AND RUN GREAT. THIS HAPPENS ABOUT EVERY OTHER TIME THE CAR GETS DOWN TO ABOUT 1/4 TANK. NO SHOP CAN DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM OR CORRECT IT. I HAVE TRIED THE IGNITION COIL, GROUNDS, FUEL PUMP... NO FIX. THERE ARE COUNTLESS THREADS ON VARIOUS VW FORUMS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO STALL ON THE FREEWAY. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO CORRECT THIS.
Aug 01, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, HE NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 04V586000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 146,177.
Jun 03, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A FUEL ODOR WAS BEING EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING AROUND THE AREA OF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE DIESEL FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND ALTHOUGH THE PART NUMBER FOR THE FAILED COMPONENT WAS THE SAME AS IN THE RECALL, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V586000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 172,000.
Jan 08, 2013
+ 1 more complaint for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
6 complaints
A LITTLE UNDER 3 YEARS AGO (OCT. 2010) I STARTED NOTICING A FAINT GAS SMELL COMING FROM MY CAR. OVER A 2 WEEK PERIOD THE SMELL GRADUALLY GOT STRONGER AND MY MPG SLOWLY DECREASED. AFTER TAKING MY CAR INTO A SHOP IT WAS DETERMINED THERE WAS A CRACK NEAR THE FUEL PUMP GASKET AND THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NOW 2 WEEKS AGO (MAY 2013) THE EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS STARTED UP AGAIN AND AFTER TAKING MY CAR BACK TO THE SHOP THEY TOLD ME THE EXACT SAME THING. THERE WAS A SMALL CRACK NEAR THE GASKET ON MY FUEL PUMP AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS AN OBVIOUS DESIGN FLAW TO CAUSE ME TO REPLACE 2 FUEL PUMPS IN A 3 YEAR SPAN. *TR
Jul 01, 2013
ON MARCH 25, 2007, I WOKE UP TO A STRONG FUEL LEAKAGE ODOR, SEEKING FOR AIR, ALMOST FINDING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO BREATHE PROPERLY, FORCING ME TO EVACUATE MY HOUSE AT LATE HOURS OF THE NIGHT THE GAS SMELL WAS COMING FROM MY CAR IN THE GARAGE. I CALLED DEALER, EXPLAINED MATTER. DEALER TOLD ME MY CAR WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY FOR THIS KIND OF SERVICE/OR REPAIR. THE CAR HAD 49,419 MILES AND WAS 4 YEARS OLD BUT VOLKSWAGEN WARRANTY IS COVERED FOR 50,000 MILES OR 5 YEARS WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. I CALLED VOLKSWAGEN BUT THEY ONLY CONFIRMED THE DEALER'S STATEMENT. TOOK CAR TO LOCAL SHOP, THEY REPLACED FUEL TANK AND FUEL PUMP ON MARCH 26, 2007, COST $754.11. THREE MONTHS AFTER THE STRONG GAS SMELL CAME BACK ONLY DIFFERENCE THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND SMELL WAS NOT AS STRONG. I TOOK CAR TO A DIFFERENT SHOP ON MAY 22, 2008 THEY REPAIRED GAS TANK AND FUEL PUMP SEAL COSTING ME $316.20. THIS APRIL RECEIVED A LETTER FROM VOLKSWAGEN FOR FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERTER, RESEARCHED CONNECTION TO POTENTIAL GAS LEAK AND FOUND IN DISBELIEF THE GAS LEAK RECALL ON 2005, WHICH I WAS NOT NOTIFIED IN 2005 OR 2007. *TR
Jun 05, 2010
NOISE STARTED, A HIGH-PITCHED WHINING. TOOK MY CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND IT IS THE SAME DARNED THING IT WAS IN FEBRUARY, 2008! THE FUEL PUMP. HE TELLS ME HE CHANGES THEM OUT ON VW'S ALL THE TIME. THE PART IS A VW DEALER PART ONLY AND IT'S DEFECTIVE, JUST LIKE THE 2003 VW PASSAT PUMPS WERE! *TR
Jan 05, 2009
CAR WAS SMELLING OF GAS. LOOKED UNDER CAR AND FOUND GAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH CAR. TOOK IT TO CAR DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE FUEL PUMP HAD TWO SMALL PIN HOLES IN IT. REPLACED IT AT NO COST. *TR
Nov 10, 2008
ON 2/4/08 AT 7:30 A.M. I GOT IN MY 2004 VW JETTA WAGON AND ALTHOUGH IT WAS TURNING OVER, IT WOULD NOT START AT ALL. IT HAD OPERATED PERFECTLY THE NIGHT BEFORE. I HAD IT TOWED TO OUR MECHANIC THAT WE HAVE USED FOR NEARLY 10 YEARS. THE MECHANIC CALLED & SAID IT WAS THE IN-TANK FUEL PUMP AND THE ASSOCIATED COMPONENT. HE STATED HE HAS HAD A LOT OF THESE BROUGHT TO HIM IN VW'S AND THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE. HE STATED WHEN HE CALLED ABOUT THE PART THEY SAID, "OH YES, WE HAVE THAT PART IN STOCK NO PROBLEM." HE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP ON 2/6/08 AND AGAIN STATED THIS SEEMED TO BE A COMMON FAILURE IN VW'S. HE ALSO STATED THE MILEAGE ON OUR 2004 VW JETTA WAGON WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO WARRANT SUCH A FAILURE UNLESS THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE MECHANISM AND SUGGESTED I REPORT THE FAILURE. THE REPAIR COST WAS $697.59 TOTAL. *TR
Feb 08, 2008
+ 1 more complaint for this component
STRUCTURE
6 complaints
THE INTERIOR OF MY 2004 VW JETTA EMITS A VERY STRONG "CRAYON LIKE" ODOR. BREATHING THIS ODOR FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME MAKES MY THROAT HURT AND CAUSES DISCOMFORT WHEN I INHALE. I WORRY THAT REPEATEDLY INHALING WHATEVER CHEMICAL CAUSES THIS WILL CAUSE PERMANENT RESPIRATORY DAMAGE. *TR
Oct 12, 2012
CAR IS FLOODED AFTER A RAIN; HAD SUNROOF DRAINS CLEANED BY MECHANIC @ $245; DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM; RUGS SMELL OF MILDEW CAUSING RESPIRATORY DISTRESS. THE LAST CONSIDERABLE RAIN STORM WE HAD PRODUCED MEASURABLE WATER BUILDUP. HAD TO USE WET VAC. *TR
Apr 14, 2010
LEAKING SUNROOF ALLOWS WATER TO ENTER AREA AROUND CURTAIN AIRBAGS. *TR
Oct 27, 2007
COMPONENT: STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS METAL PROTECTOR STRIP (MOLDING) ON REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR BECAME UNGLUED. WHEN THE DOOR WAS OPENED, THE STRIP SCRAPED THE FRONT DOOR, DAMAGING PAINT ON FRONT PASSENGER DOOR, AND THE STRIP BECAME BENT. THE METAL STRIP ON THE OTHER REAR DOOR ALSO BECAME UNGLUED, BUT FORTUNATELY IT OCCURRED AT THE REAR END, THEREFORE HAS NOT SCRAPED THE FRONT DOOR. VOLKSWAGEN DEALER REFUSES TO REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY, CLAIMING THAT THE STRIP BECAME UNGLUED DUE TO "OUTSIDE INFLUENCES, SUCH AS WASHING THE CAR. *AK
May 15, 2007
I OWN A 2004 VW JETTA GLS. MY MOM OPENED THE DOOR TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE, AND THE CORNER OF THE DOOR HIT HER IN THE CHEEKBONE, JUST BELOW HER EYE. IT BRUISED & SWELLED IMMEDIATELY, AND HAS STAYED THAT WAY FOR ALMOST A WEEK NOW. SHE WENT TO THE DOCTOR TO GET HER EYE CHECKED JUST IN CASE, AND HE FOUND A PAINT CHIP IN HER EYE! VW SHOULD EITHER ROUND THE EDGES OF THE DOOR, OR PUT RUBBER STRIPS ON IT, LIKE LEXUS AND HONDA DO. I HAVE ALSO HIT MYSELF WITH THE DOOR TWICE, BUT DID NOT GET BRUISES. MAYBE WE ARE UNCOORDINATED OR ACCIDENT PRONE, BUT WE ARE ALSO 5FT 1 IN, WHICH MAY HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE LOCATION OF THE INJURY. THANK YOU. *TR
May 02, 2007
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SEAT BELTS
5 complaints
DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT LATCH BROKEN. TRIED TO BUCKLE SEAT BELT AND A PART IN SEATBELT LATCH MECHANISM BROKE OFF INSIDE. SEATBELT WILL NOT LATCH. *TR
Apr 21, 2014
1. SEAT BELT BECOMES DIFFICULT TO PULL AND LOCK. THEN FAILS. 2. BACK SEAT, CENTER POSITION SEAT, BELT TENSIONER UNIT FAILS, CANNOT PULL AND FASTEN SEAT BELT. 3. REMOVE SEAT, REPLACE BELT TENSIONER UNIT. OLD PART AVAILABLE. *TR
Jan 08, 2010
DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT LATCH BROKEN. TRIED TO BUCKLE SEAT BELT AND A PART IN SEATBELT LATCH MECHANISM BROKE OFF INSIDE. SEATBELT WILL NOT LATCH. *TR
Nov 10, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT DOES NOT COME OUT IN ORDER FOR IT TO BE USED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY FOUR TIMES WITH NO RESOLUTION. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 43,057 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,173. UPDATED 07/15/08. *JB
Jun 19, 2008
MY 2004 JETTA HAS 51,000 MILES AND IS ONLY 3.5 YEARS OLD. THE AIR BAG/ SEAT BELT ALERT ICON CAME ON AND I BROUGHT THE CAR TO NEW COUNTRY VW IN GREENWICH CT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT LATCH FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS CHARGED $140.00 FOR THIS VISIT AND WAS TOLD THAT THE REPAIR WOULD COST $425.00. THEY STATED THAT THE PART WAS ON A NATION WIDE BACKORDER AND THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PART WOULD BE IN THE USA. THE FACT THAT THERE WAS NO PART AVAILABLE IN THE ENTIRE US INDICATES TO ME THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS PART. A CRITICAL SAFETY COMPONENT LIKE SAFETY BELTS SHOULD NOT FAIL AFTER ONLY 3.5 YEARS AND SHOULD BE EXCLUDED FROM ANY LIMITED WARRANTY. ALSO BECAUSE OF THIS PARTS FAILURE I WAS TOLD THAT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WOULD NOT WORK PROPERLY, WHICH IS ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE. *CN
Jan 29, 2008
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
5 complaints
WE HAVE A 2004 VW JETTA, BUT THIS CONCERN IS WITH MOST 7 YEAR OLD AND OLDER VEHICLES. THE HEADLIGHT CONSTRUCTION IS INFERIOR TO VEHICLES EARLIER IN THE 1900S ' NEVER WITH CARS I HAVE OWNED FROM 1954 UNTIL THE LAST FEW HAVE I SEE HEADLIGHTS FOG- TURN OPAQUE OR YELLOW. THE PLASTIC USED IS INFERIOR TO THE GLASS USED ON OLDER VEHICLES AND AS SUCH IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD TO ALL DRIVERS. SINCE IT IS THE USE OF AN INFERIOR MATERIAL IT IS A DEFECT AND SHOULD BECOME SAFETY RECALLS BY THE MANUFACTURER RATHER THEN A BAND-AID BUFF OUT KIT THAT THE VEHICLE OWNER, MUST BEAR THE EXPENSE, AND TRY TO USE OR HAVE A REPAIR SHOP DO AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. HEADLIGHT SURFACES SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF A VEHICLES, BARRING DAMAGE IN ACCIDENTS THEY SHOULD PERFORM SAFELY THROUGHOUT A ONE'S OWNERSHIP. *TR
May 09, 2011
MY CAR'S SIGNAL LIGHT SWITCH MALFUNCTIONS PERIODICALLY LEADING TO THE SIGNAL LIGHT BECOMING STUCK IN A LEFT OR RIGHT HAND TURN POSITION BLINKING AT A FAST SPEED. THIS IS OCCURRING ABOUT 25% OF THE TIME WHILE DRIVING. AS A CONSEQUENCE I HAVE TO MAKE UNSAFE LANE CHANGES (EG. WHEN CHANGING INTO R LANE THE SIGNAL LIGHT BE STUCK IN THE LEFT HAND BLINKING SEQUENCES FROM THE PREVIOUS LEFT TURN). TO CORRECT THE FAILURE THE SIGNAL LIGHT ARM HAS TO BE REPLACED. *TR
May 06, 2010
REAR LIGHTS GO OUT- TAIL LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, ETC... HAVE REPLACED THE BULBS NUMEROUS TIMES. WAS TOLD BY PEOPLE FOLLOWING ME THAT THEY TEND TO FLICKER ON AND OFF AND THEN JUST OFF. ALSO WAS PULLED OVER BY POLICE OFFICER IN SEPT. BOUGHT THIS USED @ VW DEALERSHIP IN JUNE, IT HAD APPROXIMATELY 52,000 AT THAT TIME. *TR
Apr 19, 2009
I OWN A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WAGON TDI. THE ORIGINAL OWNER SOLD THE CAR TO ME AND COMPLAINED OF POOR LIGHTING. I HAVE REPEATEDLY BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. THERE IS NO PERIPHERAL LIGHTING AND THE LIGHTS DO NOT PROJECT FAR ENOUGH TO SEE AND HAVE DARK SPOTS. I HIT A BEAR 6 WKS. AGO AND DIRECTLY BLAME THE LIGHTS FOR AN IMPAIRED ABILITY TO REACT. THE PLASTIC LENS ARE ALSO A PROBLEM AS THEY YELLOW AND SCRATCH OVER TIME DIMINISHING VISIBILITY BY APPROX 50%. A PROBLEM THAT DOES NOT OCCUR WITH GLASS LENS AND IS PARTICULARLY BAD IN PLACES LIKE COLORADO WHERE MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE IS APPLIED TO THE ROADS IN WINTER. *TR
Aug 06, 2008
BRAKE LIGHT KEPT ON GOING ON INTERMITTENTLY CAUSING THE CAR TO STALL. *JB
Feb 01, 2006
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
5 complaints
I AM WRITING THIS FOR MY GIRLFRIEND. SHE HAS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI (DIESEL). HER BRAKE PEDAL HAS BEEN GETTING HARD IN THE MORNINGS RESULTING IN DECREASED BRAKING. UPON EXAMINATION, I FOUND THAT A HARD VACUUM LINE FROM THE VACUUM PUMP TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER HAD A LARGE CRACK IN IT. I WENT ON THE INTERNET TO TDIFORUMS.COM AND DID A SEARCH ONLY TO FIND THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. THE PART IS AVAILABLE FROM THE DEALER, AND WILL COST ME ABOUT $60 TO REPLACE. THE DEALER ACTUALLY QUOTED HER $650 TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE BRAKE BOOSTER TO FIX THIS CONDITION. *TR
Mar 23, 2008
WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN INTO THE PARKING LOT, I BRAKED BUT THE VEHICLE DIDN'T SLOW DOWN, AND I HIT A CONCRETE POLE. THE ONLY THING I HEARD WAS DRUMMING NOISE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO BRAKE HARD, BECAUSE IT KIND OF LOCKED. *JB
Feb 01, 2006
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLI WITH 9200 MILES. APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK AFTER OWNING THE VEHICLE, A CLUNKING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. THE CLUNKING NOISE HAS INCREASED IN SOUND LEVEL AND SENSITIVITY TO ROAD SURFACES SINCE THEN. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO BE SERVICED BY FLETCHER JONES CHICAGO VW AND WAS TOLD THAT THE BRAKE PAD IS LOOSENING IN THE CALIPER AND IS CAUSING THE CLUNKING SOUND. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THIS WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY MY WARRANTY AS THEY SUGGESTED THE CAR WAS STILL DRIVABLE AND THE PROBLEM WAS LIKELY DUE TO WEAR ON THE PAD. AT THE TIME OF THE SERVICE DIAGNOSIS BY FLETCHER JONES, THE CAR HAD 10,173 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. PRIOR TO PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE, IT WAS FULLY INSPECTED BY A SERVICE TECHNICIAN THAT HAS BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY FOR OVER TEN YEARS, AND WHOM I KNOW PERSONALLY. I WAS TOLD THIS VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE ANY ISSUES WITH THE BRAKES. FURTHERMORE, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MAKING A CLUNKING SOUND WHEN I PURCHASED IT. RATHER, THE SOUND DEVELOPED OVER A WEEK AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. \I AM CONCERNED THAT THE PART WILL FAIL AND THAT VW IS NOT GOING TO FIX IT UNDER MY WARRANTY THAT IS STATED TO COVER SUCH THINGS FOR 4 YEARS/50,000 MILES, OR WHICH EVER ONE COMES FIRST. *JB
Oct 07, 2005
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE FRONT ROTORS NEED TO BE REPLACED. *JB *NM
Dec 21, 2004
RECIEVED THE CAR WITH 9 MILES THE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. AROUND 1,500 MILES (2 MONTHS OLD) THE CROME TRIM ON THE REAR PASSANGER DOOR CAME UP ON ITS OWN SCRATCHING THE FRONT PASSANGER DOOR AND TRIM. VW IS PAINTING THE DOOR AND REPLACING THE CROME UNDER WARRANTY. *AK
Aug 25, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
5 complaints
FUEL PUMP LEAK. THE FUEL PUMP WAS FOUND TO BE LEAKING BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHERE THE LEAK WAS COMING FROM OTHER THEN SAYING 'THE FUEL PUMP', THEY COULD NOT SAY IF THE PUMP PART WAS COVERED UNDER THE PREVIOUS RECALL IN 2005, THEY COULD NOT SAY IF THE PUMP WAS REPLACED UNDER THAT RECALL OR GIVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THE PREVIOUS RECALL. *JB
Feb 17, 2007
2004 TDI JETTA WAGON FAILED IN TANK FUEL PUMP. *NM
May 27, 2006
I OWN A 2004 VW JETTA TDI. VW HAS A RECALL (VY) FO RPOSSIBLE DEFECTIVE TANDEM FUEL INJECTION PUMPS WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN ENGINE FIRE. THE RECALL STATES CARS BETWEN VIN 031216 TO 190756 WITH AN UNMARKED LUK PUMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. MY CARS VIN IS 166408 WHICH IS BELOW THE CUT OFF, MY CAR ALSO HAS THE UNMARKED LUK PUMP. ACCORDING TO VW MY CAR DOES NOT NEED A NEW PUMP. I HAVE TRIED TO DEAL WITH VW BUT THEY KEEP TELLING ME MY CAR IS NOT EFFECTED YET IT MEETS THEIR REQUIREMENTS. IT SOUNDS TO ME THAT THEY ARE NOT PERFORMING UP TO THEIR STATED RECALL PLAN.
Jun 17, 2005
GAS GAUGE FAILURE SINCE DATE OF PURCHASE. *AK
Jun 19, 2004
FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTIONED. IT INDICATED GAS TANK WAS FULL WHEN IT WAS ACTUALLY EMPTY. CONSUMER RAN OUT OF GAS ON THE FREEWAY, AND WAS REAR ENDED AT AN INTERSECTION.*AK
May 17, 2004
TIRES
4 complaints
TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE APROXIMATLEY 70 MPH, THE LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED. THIS RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE IMPACTED THE GUARD RAIL. AT THIS POINT THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION SEPARATED FROM THE CAR AS THE CAR CONTINUED TO SPIN DOWN THE ROAD. THE CAR CAME TO A REST AFTER APPROXIMATELY 3 SPINS, AND THE ENGINE CAME TO REST ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE 3 LANE INTERSTATE.
Mar 02, 2017
I BOUGHT A SET OF 215/50R-17 91V ZEXIUS XI-427 ALL SEASON RADIAL TIRES ON 07/26/2010 FROM LES SCHWAB TIRES IN CALIFORNIA. ON MEMORIAL DAY 5/30/2011 I HAD A BLOWOUT ON I-215 IN LAS VEGAS NV CALLED EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE AND THEY PUT ON SPARE. I CALLED LES SCHWAB TO TELL ABOUT INCIDENT THE NEXT DAY. I WAS TOLD IT WAS TIRE SEPARATION BY AN COMPETITOR TIRE SHOP. ON 6/11/2011 TWO WEEKS AND 282 MILES LATER I WOKE UP TO FIND I HAD A FLAT TIRE ON A DIFFERENT ZEXIUS TIRE, SO I PUT AIR IN THE TIRE AND DROVE THE CAR TO TIRE WORKS A TIRE SHOP A MILE DOWN THE ROAD. TIRE WORKS CHECKED THE TIRE FOR ANY OBJECTS IN THE TIRE BUT FOUND NONE. THEY FOUND THE SIDEWALL HAD A CRACK WHERE AIR WAS LEAKING THROUGH AND DETERMINE IT WAS TIRE SEPARATION. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THEY FOUND CRACKS IN THE OTHER TWO ZEXIUS TIRES WHICH THE TIRE SPECIALIST SAID WAS CAUSED BY DRY ROT! I REPLACED THE ZEXIUS TIRE WITH ANOTHER SET OF TIRE'S DUE TO THE LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN THE SAFETY OF THESE TIRES. I AM IN CURRENT DISPUTE WITH LES SCHWAB TIRES FOR A REFUND FOR THE TOTAL COST OF TIRES. PARTIALLY THE DISPUTE IS WHOM WILL PAY FOR SHIPPING THE ZEXIUS TIRES BACK TO CALIFORNIA AS I LIVE IN HENDERSON,NV CURRENTLY. I NEED HELP TO SETTLE THIS DISPUTE AND EXPOSURE TO THESE FAULTY TIRES. *TR
Jun 21, 2011
A RIP APPEARED IN THE SIDEWALL OF MY FRONT TIRE OVER THE COURSE OF SEVERAL DAYS. THE TIRE APPEARS TO BE SEPARATING. I NOTICED IT AFTER HEARING A CLICKING SOUND WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY IN A PARKING LOT. THIS WAS NOT PROCEEDED BY ANY IMPACT TO THE TIRE. THE RIP IS GETTING LARGER. ONLINE RESEARCH INTO THIS TIRE SHOWS THAT NUMEROUS OTHERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR TIRE FAILURE INCIDENTS, OFTEN RESULTING IN COSTLY REPAIRS AND MEDICAL BILLS. I BELIEVE THAT THIS TIRE MODEL IS DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
Oct 21, 2008
THE COMPLAINT IS REGARDING THE TIRES OF THE JETTA VW THAT WE PURCHASED IN 2004/2005 MODEL. THE TIRE THAT FALLS UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE AT THE TOP CONTINUES TO LOOSE WEIGHT CONSIDERABLY COMPARED TO THE OTHER TIRES. IT IS NOT THAT SPECIFIC TIRE, BECAUSE I HAVE ROTATED ALL FOUR TIRES AND IT HAPPENS TO ALL TIRES. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS NOW. I CALLED THE LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID ITS NOT THEIR PROBLEM. *TR
Aug 26, 2007
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaints
THE SUNROOF BEGAN TO LEAK. NOW ALL OF THE INSIDE OF OUR CAR IS FULL OF MOLD AND I CAN'T EVEN DRIVE IT BECAUSE I HAVE TWO CHILDREN, AND I AM AFRAID TO EXPOSE THEM TO ALL THIS MOLD. WHEN I CALLED A VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE ISSUE THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE IT WAS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW ABOUT THE SUNROOF RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. WE ACTUALLY DIDN'T FIND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL UNTIL WE ARRIVED IN THE STATES, WE HAD LIVED OVER SEAS BEFORE THE LEAK STARTED AND WE WERE NEVER INFORMED ABOUT THIS RECALL. WHAT CAN I DO? IS THERE ANYWAY THAT THE VOLKSWAGEN COMPANY HELP US WITH THIS ISSUE ESPECIALLY SINCE THERE WAS A LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST THEM ON THIS ISSUE?
Sep 03, 2015
JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO I NOTICED THAT MY TRUNK LOCK DOES NOT LATCH. WHEN I AM DRIVING, THE DOOR LIGHT IS RED ON ON MY DASHBOARD. I GOT OUT, CHECKED ALL OF MY DOORS AND THE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. I ALSO PUT MY CAR IN PARK, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND TESTED ALL OF THE DOORS AGAIN BY FIRST LOCKING MY CAR. I NOTICED THAT MY CAR DID NOT MAKE THE LITTLE "BEEP" NOISE TO INDICATE THAT THE CAR WAS LOCKED. I PROCEEDED TO TEST ALL OF THE DOORS AND WHEN I GOT TO THE TRUNK, I COULD OPEN IT AND IT MADE THE CAR ALARM GO OFF. WITH THIS SITUATION, ANYONE CAN BREAK INTO MY CAR, STEAL MY STUFF, AND POTENTIALLY EVEN STEAL MY CAR AS WELL.
Aug 08, 2015
AFTER RAIN, THE INTERIOR IS FLOODED WITH WATER. BOTH THE FRONT AND BACK OF THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR IS SOAKED WITH WATER.
Jan 02, 2006
THE CHROME PANEL COVERING THE GEAR SHIFTER REFLECTS SUNLIGHT. THE SUNLIGHT REFLECTS OFF THE PANEL TOWARDS THE DRIVER, CAUSING A DISCOMFORT AND DISTRACTION. VW HAS NO SOLUTIONS FOR THE PROBLEM AND HAS REFUSED TO FIX THE SITUATION.
Jul 24, 2005
VISIBILITY
4 complaints
I HAVE A 2004 JETTA TDI, WHICH I PURCHASED USED IN 2006 WITH 80,000 MILES ON IT. AT 135,000 MILES, I WAS DRIVING IN FEBRUARY, 2008 IN SLUSHY CONDITIONS. I TRIED TO TURN ON MY WINDSHIELD WIPER-WASHER TO CLEAN OFF MY WINDSHIELD, BUT THE WIPERS WOULD NOT FUNCTION. I TOOK THE CAR TO A VW DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE WIPERS, SAYING THERE WAS AN ADJUSTMENT TO THE WIPERS THAT REQUIRED REMOVING "COWL" SO AS TO ACCESS CONNECTIONS THAT NEEDED TO BE TIGHTENED. AT 154,000 MILES, THIS HAPPENED AGAIN; IN BOTH CASES IT HAPPENED DURING COLD WEATHER, AND SPECIFICALLY AT A TIME WHEN IT WAS HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE WITHOUT A FUNCTIONAL WINDSHIELD WASHER-WIPER. IN BOTH CASES, I WAS ABLE TO STOP AT SERVICE STATIONS INTERMITTENTLY AND CLEAN MY WINDSHIELD OFF MANUALLY TO A SUFFICIENT DEGREE UNTIL I REACHED MY DESTINATION. *TR
Jan 05, 2009
ON DECEMBER 17, 2007, I OPENED THE HATCH OF MY 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI AND THE WINDOW SHATTERED. MY WIFE AND I FIRST HEARD A POP SOUND AND THEN THE WINDOW EXPLODED OVER OUR HEADS. IT WAS A COLD, DRY MORNING IN NE OHIO (AROUND 25 DEGREES). *TR
Dec 17, 2007
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW FELL OUT WITHOUT WARNING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. *AK
Jan 28, 2005
DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD GLASS. GLASS IN 2004 JETTA WINSHIELD BATCH APPEARS TO BE DEFECTIVELY ANNEALED AND TEMPERED CAUSING GLASS TO FRACTURE FROM TEMPERATURE CHANGES. MY WINSHIELD CRACKED WHEN SITTING IN HOT SUNLIGHTTHE AIR CONDITIONING WAS TURNED ON AND THE AC VENT DIRECTS COLD AIR TO THE HOT WINDSHIELD. VENT OR GLASS BAD.*AK
Apr 19, 2004
STEERING
3 complaints
LOOSE STEERING CHANCE OF LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO INCORRECT TIE ROD END FROM KIT SPECIFIC TO VEHICLE. RESULTING IN RUINED TIRES AND ALIGNMENT. HTTPS://WWW.AUTOPARTSWAREHOUSE.COM/SKU/VOLKSWAGEN/JETTA/REPLACEMENT/CONTROL_ARM_KIT/2004/TDI/4_CYL_1-DOT-9L/REPV281502.HTML . THE KIT I BELIEVE HAS A TIE ROD END MEANT FOR A PREIOUS GENERATION VOLKSWAGON AS IT IS SMALLER IN DIAMETER AND CANNOT TAPER LOCK. IT TOOK ABOUT A MONTH OF DRIVING FOR IT TO LOOSEN UP. THE PHYSICAL PROBLEM IS THE OUTER TIR ROD BUT THE INNER TIE ROD IS OF A SMALLER DIAMETER AND ADJUSTMENTS WERE MADE INSTALLING SO THE DUST BOOT WOULD PROPERLY SEAL BUT IT WAS MECHANICALLY COMPATABLE.
Jan 20, 2019
CLICKING/POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN MAKING TURNS. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP TWO TIME AND THEY STATE THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE SOUND. DROVE TECH AROUND AND DUPLICATED SOUND FOR HIM. DEALERSHIP STILL STATED THEY COULD NOT MAKE ANY REPAIRS BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. SERVICE ALSO STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WOULD HAVE TO GET WORSE BEFORE THEY COULD DO ANYTHING. *TR
Oct 20, 2007
THERE IS A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH IS INTERFERING WITH THE STEERING MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. OWNER WILL CONTACT MANUFACTURER. *JB
Jan 18, 2005
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
VEHICLE UNDER MULTIPLE OCCASIONS HAS STALLED OUT AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, LOCATIONS, AND DRIVING STYLES/ROADS AT OR UNDER A QUARTER OF A TANK
Oct 15, 2018
VW CORP REJECTED CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT WHEN WE IDENTIFIED THAT THE FLEX PIPE WAS LEAKING/LOUD AND WAS OVER THE MILEAGE WARRANTY (VW EXTENDED THE PART WARRANTY TO 10YRS OR 120K MILES) OUR CAR HAD 120,110 MILES. THERE WAS NO LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP TO ID REPAIRS NEAR WHERE I WAS WORKING. THE PART DID FAILED BEFORE THE 120K MILES; AND HAS BEEN LEAKING OR DAMAGED FOR SOMETIME. SINCE IT WARMED UP AND I HAD THE WINDOWS DOWN I WAS ABLE TO HEAR THE LEAK. THIS PART WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY PREVIOUSLY AND WAS A RECALL ITEM ON THIS MODEL AND YEAR. IS THERE A "RANGE" ON MILEAGE THAT THE VW IS REQUIRED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT FOR TRAVEL TO NEAREST VW DEALER LOCATION FOR REPAIRS OR WRITTEN WITHIN THE CURRENT EMISSIONS WARRANTY LAW?? *TR
Apr 21, 2014
WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS OF A 2004 JETTA WITH 2.0 ENGINE WITH 98K AS OF APR 2013. WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR CLUES FROM VW DEALER OR AUTO SHOP, THE CAR WOULD NOT START; CAR WOULD TURN OVER THE ENGINE BUT NO FUEL PRESSURE. DEPENDING ON SEASON (WINTER) AND LOCATION (MIDDLE OF NO WHERE) THIS CAN CAUSE A HAZARD FOR THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER. THE CAR WOULD START AFTER LEAVING IT ALONE FOR 2-3 HRS AND TRY RESTARTING. THE WARNING SEEMS TO BE WHEN THE INTERIOR LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON WHICH MEANS THE SWITCH IS ACTING UP; THE FUEL SYSTEM IS AT A LOW PRESSURE WILL CAUSE A NO START. UNDER VW NEW CAR AND INDEPENDENT SHOPS CAN NOT DUPLICATE; MANY ON-LINE OWNERS HAS HAVE POINTED THE FINGER AT A DOOR LATCH/PRIMING CIRCUIT BOARD THAT CONTROLS THE FUEL PUMP PRIME WHEN THE DRIVER DOOR IS OPENED. GOOD PICS ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD FAILED/CRACKED SOLDER JOINT. THIS DOOR LATCH PRIMING IS USED ON MANY VW GROUP CARS; WE OWN A CAYENNE AND I CAN HEAR THE PRIMING. PLEASE CONSIDER A RECALL OF THIS VW PART OR TELLING VW TO STOP PLACING THE FUEL PUMP PRIMING CIRCUIT IN THE DRIVER DOOR LATCH. THE IGNITION KEY SEEM TO BE WHAT OTHER CAR MAKERS USE. *TR
Apr 23, 2013
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaints
ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, OVER 2 1/2 YEARS, WHILE ACCELERATING ONTO FREEWAY STEERING, BRAKES, POWER WENT OUT. IN FIRST INSTANCE, ACCELERATION OCCURRED. VIRTUALLY LOST CONTROL OF CAR FOR SEVERAL SECONDS BEFORE SYSTEM "KICKED IN" AGAIN. REPORTED TO DUBLIN VW (CA) 3 INCIDENTS. UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE. REFERRED TO VW OF AMERICA WHO TOLD ME THAT THE CAR WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED - NOTHING WRONG. WHILE IN DEALERSHIP, SPOKE TO ANOTHER OWNER WHO EXPERIENCED SAME. OTHER OWNER WAS ALSO TOLD BY VW THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND NOTHING WAS WRONG. SOLD CAR TO OAKLAND VW IN 2013. ADVISED THEM THAT DUBLIN VW HAD COMPLETE SERVICE RECORDS. *TR
Apr 02, 2013
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR POLICE REPORT. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER OF THE PARKED VEHICLE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 21,517. THE CONSUMER LISTED NAMES OF POSSIBLE REPAIR SHOPS. UPDATED 08/07/07 *TR
Jul 19, 2007
WHILE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ACCELERATOR FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER STATED THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THEREFORE, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Jun 14, 2004
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER STOPPED WORKING. VEHICLE MILEAGE, AND SPEEDOMETER DO NOT WORK AT ALL. MILEAGE WHEN OCCURRED 48,800. EVERY SPEED SENSOR WAS REPLACED WITH NO CHANGE. I HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING HOW FAST I AM GOING, OR HOW MANY MILES ARE ON MY CAR WITHOUT TRACKING THEM MYSELF. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MULTIPLE VW'S AND AUDI'S WITH NO APPARENT SOLUTION. I HAVE SPENT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TRYING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AND STILL AM WITHOUT A SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER.
Jul 18, 2016
BOUGHT NEW IN 2004. STARTING AT 60K MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME-ON SAYING MISS FIRE ON #1 CYL WHEN ITS WET OUTSIDE; RAINING OR SNOW. SPARK PLUG AND WIRE REPLACED REGULARLY AND CHECKED WITHIN SPECS. THE ACCELERATION STARTED TO DETERIORATE AND FLAT SPOT IN THE ACCELERATION CAN BE DANGEROUS IN DRIVING CONDITIONS. 86K THE ORIGINAL VW COIL WAS REPLACED; #1 TERMINAL WAS CORRODED. *TR
Jul 07, 2011
ENGINE
2 complaints
VW IGNITION COILS ARE FAILED, CAUSING THE SPARK PLUG NOT TO FIRE AND CUTTING POWER TO THE ENGINE. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO FIND THE ISSUE ABOUT 4 HOURS AND FINALLY FOUND THE PROBLEM. THE CAR WAS WORKING FINE ONE DAY AND WHILE AT THE BANK WITH MY BOYS IN THE BACK THE CAR SHUT OFF. I NEEDED TO GET OUT AND PUSH THE CAR INTO THE PARKING LOT TO GET OUT OF THE WAY.
Mar 04, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED, THE EPC WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE MASS AIR FLOW SYSTEM FAILED. THE DEALER PREVIOUSLY REPLACED THE MASS AIR FLOW SYSTEM DUE TO THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATING, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Sep 24, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLI, WHICH I GARAGE AT MY CONDOMINIUM. IN MARCH 2006, THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION ISSUED A RECALL OF VOLKSWAGEN AND AUDI 2003 CARS WITH 1.8L TURBO ENGINES DUE TO ELECTRICAL FAILURE OF THE FUEL PUMPS. I RAISE THE POSSIBILITY OF MY CAR BEING INVOLVED IN THE MANUFACTURING MALFUNCTION, BUT NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. 07/17/2009: CAR TOWED TO VOLKSWAGEN AUTOBARN OF EVANSTON. COSTS: $74.15. 07/25/2009: INFORMED THAT THE CAR REQUIRED A NEW BATTERY AND FUEL PUMP. PARTS & LABOR COSTS: $905.85. AFTER PAYING FOR THE REPAIRS AND WAITING FOR DELIVERY, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. 07/27/2009: RETRIEVED THE CAR AFTER VW AUTOBARN SERVICE INSTALLS A SECOND FUEL PUMP, DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE PREVIOUS PART. I DROVE THE CAR HOME AND PARKED UNDERGROUND. 07/28/2009: I DROVE TO THE FAA REGIONAL OFFICE IN DES PLAINES, IL. AT APPROXIMATELY 18:30, I ATTEMPTED TO LEAVE HOWEVER, THE CAR DID NOT START IN THE SAME FASHION THAT LED TO THE INITIAL REPAIR. THE CAR IS TOWED BACK TO VOLKSWAGEN. 08/17/2009: INFORMED BY THE VW AUTOBARN SERVICE MANAGER THAT THEY HAVE GONE TO EXTRAORDINARY EFFORTS TO REPAIR THE CAR: DRIVEN THE CAR ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS INCLUDING TAKING IT HOME OVERNIGHT; COMMUNICATED WITH THE GERMAN SERVICE OFFICE TO PURSUE OTHER POSSIBLE CAUSES FOR FUEL PUMP FAILURES. COSTS FOR TOWING, FUSES, RELAY SWITCHES, LEADS, CONNECTORS AND TECHNICIAN LABOR: $574.11. AFTER PAYING FOR THE ABOVE REPAIRS, AGAIN, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. 08/28/2009: INFORMED THE FUEL IN THE CAR CONTAINED 40% ALCOHOL AND IS THE CAUSE OF FAILURE OF THE THREE PREVIOUS FUEL PUMPS. MOREOVER, I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR VOIDING THE WARRANTY OF THE PREVIOUS FUEL PUMPS AND NOW FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR $1400 IN NEW CHARGES, INCLUDING THE COST OF A FOURTH FUEL PUMP. I LAST PURCHASED 12.63 GALLONS PREMIUM FUEL ON JUNE 26 WITHOUT ISSUE UNTIL JULY 17. *TR
Oct 18, 2009
ELECTRONIC FUEL PUMP CRACKS AND LEAKS FUEL ONTO LIVE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS TO FUEL PUMP LOCATED UNDER REAR PASSENGER SEAT. BY TIME YOU SMELL GAS INSIDE OF VEHICLE, GAS HAS PUDDLED ABOUT 1/4" DEEP ON THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS POWERING THE FUEL PUMP. DEALER WARNS NOT TO DRIVE DUE TO RISK OF FIRE OR EXPLOSION. HAPPENED FIRST IN MAY OF 2007 AT 64,000 MILES. VW UNCONCERNED AND DID NOT REMEDY. HAPPENED AGAIN MAY OF 2009 AT 96,000 MILES. VW AGAIN UNCONCERNED. I ASSUME IT MUST BE SAFE TO DRIVE. DOES SOMEBODY HAVE TO DIE FIRST? *TR
May 29, 2009
EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
I HAVE A 2004 VW JETTA 1.8 TURBO. I JUST CAME OFF FROM HAVING MY CAR CHECKED BY ROYAL VOLKSWAGEN IN WINTER PARK, FL ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON. THEY DID A MALFUNCTION CHECK. TWO DAYS LATER MY MALFUNCTION LIGHT WENT ON BLINKING. I READ THE MANUAL AND IT SAID THAT I SHOULD DRIVE SLOWLY TO A DEALER. BECAUSE THIS DEALER HAS GIVEN ME PROBLEMS--MEANING AFTER TIME I LEAVE THE DEALERSHIP A FEW DAYS LATER SOMETHING ELSE HAPPENS..I AVOIDED TAKING MY CAR TO THEM. I TOOK IT A LOCAL MECHANICAL..LONG STORY SHORT I HAD TWO IGNITION COILS GO OUT ON ME. IN A TWO DAY PERIOD I LOST A 1/2 TANK OF FUEL. WHEN I DROVE INTO THE MECHANIC DOWN THE ROAD HE SAID MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS A "GRILL" RED AND HE TOLD ME THAT IS CAUSED BY RAW FUEL ENTERING THE CONVERTER. BASICALLY, I WAS TOLD HE WAS LIKE LIGHTING A MATCH NEXT TO A GAS TANK. THE CONVERTER WAS SO HOT BECAUSE TWO OF THE FOUR COILS FAILED THAT IT COULD BEEN LIFE THREATENING AND STARTED A FIRE. THIS IS SERIOUS! I AM WORKING WITH VW OF AMERICA AND HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT OTHER SITUATIONS ABOUT THE DEALERSHIP. *TR
Jun 17, 2008
THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE RADIO STARTING ONE YEAR AGO. ON THREE OCCASIONS THE CD WOULD NOT EJECT AND THE RADIO WOULD NOT PLAY EVEN THOUGH IT COULD BE TUNED AND ADJUSTED. THE CD EJECTED TWO OF THE THREE TIMES WHEN DRIVING FAST OVER A LARGE BUMP. THE THIRD TIME I HAD TO HIT THE SIDE OF THE RADIO THREE TIMES BEFORE IT EJECTED. ON A DIFFERENT OCCASION THE RADIO TURNED ON WITHOUT SOUND AND THE CD PLAYER WOULD NOT TAKE THE CD. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR 10 MINUTES, THE STEREO ACCEPTED THE CD AND IT PLAYED. TODAY THE CD I PUT IN WAS BEING READ BUT NO SOUND WAS PRESENT. WHEN SWITCHING TO RADIO, WITH THE CD IN, NO SOUND WAS PRESENT FOR THE RADIO. ONLY AFTER THE CD WAS REMOVED AND THE STEREO WAS TURNED OFF THEN ON DID IT HAVE SOUND. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE STEREO THEY NEED TO SEE THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, I CAN'T JUST STOP IN WHEN IT IS OCCURRING BECAUSE OTHER PEOPLE HAVE APPOINTMENTS. BY THE TIME I HAVE THE APPOINTMENT, THE STEREO IS WORKING AND IN THEIR EYES IT IS NOT A PROBLEM. *JB
Aug 15, 2006
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
Unknown, very complex. Multiple issues. Have been addressed as well as parts been replaced however other issues arised that are definitely safety concerns between electrical issues engine motor etc
Sep 28, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
A4 VW BEW TDI BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE updated part# 1J0 612 041 FD VW part numbers 1J0 612 041 N and 1J0 612 041 FD. These hose are known for cracking at the plastic tube causing low vacuum; poor / inconsistant braking performance. This could lead to crashes, injuries, and loss of life. These hoses were recalled in the UK, but not in USA for unknown reasons. Vaico is the oem supplier of these hoses, and were most likely fitted to all bew TDI m/t mk4 VW vehicles sold world wide.
Jan 30, 2024
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
THE FRONT WINDOWS DETACH AND DROP DOWN INSIDE THE DOOR DURING COLD WEATHER, EVEN WHEN THE WINDOW HAS NOT BEEN OPERATED. THIS HAS CAUSED A LOSS OF VISIBILITY AS WELL AS A LOSS OF PROTECTION DURING A BLIZZARD, AND AGAIN DURING A TORRENTIAL RAIN STORM WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE REATTACHED THE WINDOWS MULTIPLE TIMES AND HAVE CONTINUED TO HAVE THIS FAILURE OF THE CLAMPS THAT HOLDS THEM IN PLACE. THIS HAS HAPPENED BOTH AT LOW SPEEDS AND AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE ISSUE CONTINUES TO BE A HAZARDOUS PROBLEM. IN LOOKING ONLINE FOR HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM, I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON IN THESE CARS AND HAS BEEN A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION FOR MANY DRIVERS.
Aug 16, 2020
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
MY CAR IS CURRENTLY STAGED AT MY HOME IT'S STILL DRIVABLE BUT I DON'T KNOW GOR HOW LONG! I RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM A DEALER IN CALIFORNIA ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO, NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN I'M HAVING ISSUES WITH MY TRANSMISSION I CAUGHT THE ISSUE FAST AND TOOK IT TO A MULTISTATE TRANSMISSION SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD HAVE TO REBUILD MY TRANSMISSION WITH THE AMOUNT OF MONEY I ALREADY SPENT ON FIXING UP THIS CAR I AM EXTREMELY UPSET, I CANNOT AFFORD SUCH A INSANE AMOUNT EVERYTHING WITH THE CAR BESIDES THAT IS PERFECT THOUGH.
Mar 20, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD EARLY IN MORNING APPROX 2 MILES FROM HOUSE I JUST LEFT FROM MY 2004 JETTA SHUTS DOWN TOTAL LOSS OF ALL POWER I PULLED CAR OVER IN A CHURCH PARKING LOT I SMELLED SMOKE AND COULD SEE SMOKE COMING FROM FIRE WALL I RAISED HOOD AND PULLED BATTERY CABLE OFF I COULD SEE SMPOKE FILLING INSIDE OF MY CAR WALKED AROUND TO DRIVER DOOR TO GET MY PHONE AND I SEEN FUSE BOX ON FIRE.ANOTHER VEHICLE STOPPED TO HELP ME AND HE APPROACHED MY CAR AND THEN CALLED POLICE ,FULL FLAMES WERE COMING FROM MY CAR WITHIN 5 MIN SO I STOOD BACK AND WATCHED MY CAR BURN .FIRE DEPT SHOWED UP AND PUT FIRE OUT MY CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. IVE HAD ISSUES WITH ALTERNATOR,FUEL PUMP,AIR BAG LIGHT, HEADLIGHTS ARE REALLY DIM EVEN ON BRIGHT.NOTHING BUT ISSUES WITH THIS CAR SINCE I GOT IT. 115.000 MILES ONLY ON THIS CAR .SO MANY ISUES I CAN SEE WHY ITS LOW MILAGE
Mar 05, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
HEATED SEAT MODULE MELTED A HOLE THROUGH MY LEATHER.
Nov 17, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED, BACK FIRED, AND IT WAS LEAKING COOLANT UNDER THE WATER PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. PRIOR TO THIS FAILURE THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THE WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E007000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000.
Apr 11, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS IT HAS BEEN RAINING HEAVILY & ALTHOUGH IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME ONCE BEFORE THIS TIME IS WHAT WORSE. MY CAR IS LEAKING FROM SOMEWHERE & ITS COMING ON THE INSIDE. MY CARPETS ARE CONSTANTLY WET, MY AIRBAGS ALONGSIDE WINDSHIELD LEAK, AND THE HANDLE WHERE YOU OPEN THE HOOD OF THE CAR IS LITERALLY A STREAM OF WATER ENTERING THE CAR DURING HEAVY RAINFALL. THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON AND THE CHECK ENGINE. I WAS MORE CONCERNED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SO I WENT AND GOT IT CHECKED. THE CODE CAME UP AS U0155 - WHICH REFERS TO (LOST COMMUNICATION WITH INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER (IPC) CONTROL MODULE) MEANING MY ENTIRE DASHBOARD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF THIS LEAKING ! I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS TO VW DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICING (NEVER FOR THIS PROBLEM) AND THEY NEVER ONCE TOLD ME ANYTHING ABOUT CLEANING THE SUNROOF DRAINS EVERY TWO YEARS AS MAINTENANCE, IT IS VISIBLE TO THE NAKED EYE THAT MY SUNROOF IS MESSED UP BECAUSE WHEN I PURCHASED IT THE LINING ON THE CAR AROUND THE SUNROOF IS DROOPING AND I CANNOT OPEN THE SUNROOF BECAUSE OF THIS. I NEVER THOUGHT OF IT AS A BIG DEAL BECAUSE I DON'T USE A SUNROOF BUT HOW WAS I SUPPOSED TO KNOW THERE WAS A LEAK WITHOUT ANYONE TELLING ME THAT WAS EVEN POSSIBLE. I LOOKED UP THIS PROBLEM ONLINE, THAT'S HOW I KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY CAR. I REFUSE TO GET IT "DIAGNOSED" AND SPEND OVER 200$ ON JUST A DIAGNOSIS WHEN I ALREADY KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND THEY'LL END UP CHARGING WAY MORE TO ACTUALLY FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS IS MY FIRST CAR AND I DON'T KNOW MUCH OF ANYTHING ABOUT CARS EXCEPT KEEPING UP WITH OIL AND FILTER CHANGES, FUEL INJECTORS, AND CHANGING MY TIRES WHEN THE TREAD IS GETTING LOW. I HAVE DONE ALL OF THAT AT EACH CHECKPOINT SINCE I PURCHASED AT 63,000 MILES. THERE IS SO MUCH CONDENSATION INSIDE I CAN BARELY SEE OUT MY WINDOWS, I HAVE SIT FOR AT LEAST A HALF HOUR CAR ON TO BE ABLE TO SEE & DRIVE.
Feb 18, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING MY VW JETTA 2004 TDI ON A HIGHWAY, I WAS USING MY HIGH BEAM AND LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS TO YIELD TO INCOMING TRAFFIC WHEN ALL OF A SADDEN MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF, I HAD TO STOP IT WAS VERY DARK AND DANGEROUS ROAD, I MOVED AND WIGGLE THE LEVER TO SEE IF I COULD MAKE IT COME ON AGAIN, EVENTUALLY IT DID, IT DID THAT ABOUT 4 TIMES,EVERY TIME IT SCARED THE ... OUT OF ME COULD NOT SEE ROAD. TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC, REPLACED THE TURN SIGNAL HIGH BEAM LOW BEAM AND CRUSE CONTROL LEVER, ITS ALL IN ONE LEVER. I LOOKED ON LINE TO SEE IF SOMEONE ELSE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT SEEMS THAT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE.
Jan 29, 2016
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
I PURCHASED MY CAR BACK IN OCTOBER 2013. WHEN I PURCHASED MY CAR, THE MECHANIC SAID THAT HE REPLACED THE ABS SYSTEM. THE LIGHTS WERE NOT ON WHEN I BOUGHT IT. A FEW MONTHS LATER, OUT OF THE BLUE IN ABOUT APRIL 2014, I WAS TURNING MY CAR ON AND THE ENGINE LIGHT, THE ABS LIGHT AND THE BRAKE LIGHT ALL CAME ON MOMENTARILY AFTER TURNING MY ENGINE ON AS I WAS STILL IN PARK. MY CAR HAD CLOSE TO 100,000 MILES ON IT. THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY AND SHORTLY CAME BACK A WEEK LATER. EVER SINCE, IT HAS BEEN ON. EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE, ALL OF THE LIGHTS WOULD GO OFF. LUCKILY THE LIGHTS ALL WENT OFF FOR A FEW DAYS AROUND MY INSPECTION TIME FOR THE 2014 YEAR AND MY CAR PASSED. NOT EVEN THREE DAYS LATER THEY ALL CAME BACK ON. THIS TIME OCTOBER 2015 INSPECTION IS COMING UP AND MY LIGHTS ARE ALL ON. SINCE THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, I CANNOT PASS INSPECTION. THE CODE READER SAYS IT IS A MISCOMMUNICATION ERROR, OR A U0121 ERROR. I HAVE DONE A LOT OF INVESTIGATION AND CLEANING UP THE MODULE AND THE CONTACTS, CLEARED THE CODES, AND MY PROBLEM IS STILL THERE.
Aug 08, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE HEATED SEATS ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE BURNED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED . THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 05/31/17*LJ UPDATED 06/02/2017*JS
Jan 28, 2015
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR FAILED TO UNLOCK WITH THE REMOTE ACCESS OR MANUALLY. ALSO, THE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN MANUALLY WHEN THE HANDLE WAS PULLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 7/14/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE LEFT REAR DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK OR OPEN USING THE REMOTE, OR USING THE DRIVER'S SWITCH ON THE PANEL. ALSO, THE REAR DOOR COULD NT BE OPENED, EVEN WITH TRYING TO USE THE DOOR HANDLE. UPDATED 05/10/16.*JB
Sep 15, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
HEADLIGHTS DIMMING- TO POINT WHERE YOU CAN NOT TELL THEY ARE ON. ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON DESPITE ALL DIAGNOSTICS STATING ALL IS OK WITH CAR. PERIODICALLY FAILS TO START-DESPITE DIAGNOSTICS THAT STATE STARTER, BATTERY, DRAIN ALTENATOR ALL GOOD AND FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. CAR JUMPS EASILY WITH "BOOST". *TR
Dec 28, 2012
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,SEATS
1 complaint
LAST YEAR I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM SCHOOL ONE NIGHT IT WAS COLD OUT SO I TURNED ON MY HEATED SEAT. MY SEAT STARTED TO GET VERY HOT IN AN ISOLATED AREA SO I TURNED IT REMEMBERING THE RECALL I RECEIVED IN THE MAIL. THE RECALL STATED THAT THE HEATING ELEMENT IN THE SEAT COULD BE FAULTY AND THE SEAT COULD CATCH FIRE. I CALLED MY DEALERSHIP AND THEY EXPRESSED TO ME THAT THE RECALL WAS EXPIRED! WHAT HOW COULD SOME THING THAT COULD CAUSE INJURY HAVE AN EXPIRATION DATE? WELL AFTER THAT I NO LONGER USED THE SEAT BUT ONE DAY MY SON WHO WANTED THE CAR TO BE WARM FOR HIS MOTHER STARTED IT AND TURNED ON BOTH HEATED SEATS BY THE TIME I WENT OUT TO THE CAR IT WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE AND A HOLE BURNED THROUGH MY SEAT. ANOTHER ISSUE I HAVE IS I GOT A RECALL ON MY SUN ROOF SAYING IT CAUSES THE DRIVERS SIDE BACK AND FRONT FLOOR TO FLOOD. WHEN IT DID I TOOK IT IN TO MY DEALER THEY "FIXED IT", WELL LAST WEEK IT POURED TERRIBLE THE NEXT DAY I WENT OUT TO MY VEHICLE TO FIND 4 INCHES OF WATER ON THE FLOOR OF MY DRIVERS SIDE BACK SEAT. TODAY 09/18/2012 I TOOK IT IN TO MY DEALER TO BE REPAIRED AND THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME $100 FOR DIAGNOSTIC FEE. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS I HAVE A CHILD AND TO HAVE WATER SIT IN BETWEEN THE METAL OF THE CAR FLOOR AND THE CARPET I AM DISGUSTED!!! IT SMELLS SO BAD I HAD TO SPRINKLE BAKING SODA ON THE FLOOR TO KEEP THE SMELL AT BAY. THE WATER IS STILL SQUISHING BETWEEN THE CARPET AND THE METAL AND IT IS SUPPOSED TO STORM AGAIN TODAY!!! I AM COMPLETELY FED UP WITH VOLKSWAGEN! *TR
Sep 18, 2012
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
2004 VW JETTA GLS TDI OPERATING AT 75MPH ON INTERSTATE ON CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE ENGINE SHUTOFF COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE STILL HAD ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENGINE WOULD CRANK BUT WOULD NOT START. I ROLLED THE VEHICLE OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ATTEMPTED TO RE-START THE ENGINE AND IT FINALLY CRANKED AND DROVE VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 500 MILES BEFORE EXPERIENCING SIMILAR ISSUE. SINCE THAT TIME VEHICLE HAS HAD SAME ISSUE OVER 10 TIMES. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE THREE TIMES AND HAS NOT DISCOVERED ISSUE. *TR
Jul 13, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
AFTER SERVICE BY VW FOR WINDOW GLASS CLIP RECALL THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WILL NOT TURN OFF. NO TRACTION CONTROL FOR THE VECHICLE. *TR
Jul 07, 2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
MY 2004 VW JETTA 1.8 TURBO WHICH I PURCHASED NEW IS HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. MY CAT HAS ONLY 66,000 MILES IN IT AND HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. IN THE PAST TWO YEARS I HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, BATTERY, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, NUMEROUS VACUUM LEAKS ECT...BUT A TRANSMISSION???? VOLKSWAGEN NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL AS THIS IS WAY TO COMMON!! PLEASE HELP! *TR
Apr 28, 2011
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
DOOR AJAR NOT WORKING, ALONG WITH INTERIOR LIGHT ON DRIVERS DOOR, & CABIN INTERIOR LIGHTS NOT COMING ON WHEN DOOR OPENS. REPLACED DRIVERS DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR VIA DEALER FIXES PROBLEM. A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX FOR A $17 MICROSWITCH (APPROX) PART ON THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR THAT FAILS VERY OFTEN. MANY VW OWNERS EXPERIENCE THIS. *TR
Feb 10, 2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
CATASTROPHIC DRIVE TRAIN FAILURE OF A VW JETTA TDI 5-SPEED. WHILE TRAVELING AT 65-70 MPH ON RELATIVELY FLAT TERRAIN ON A CLEAR ROADWAY IN 5TH GEAR WITH NO INPUT TO THE CLUTCH OR THE TRANSMISSION, OCCUPANTS FELT & HEARD A SINGLE, MUFFLED 'THUMP'. ORIGINATING DRIVE TRAIN FAILURE EVENT OCCURRED SPONTANEOUSLY AND COMPLETELY UNEXPECTEDLY. AFTER THE ANOMALY, A LOW METALLIC RATTLE WAS HEARD. ONCE CLEAR OF SURROUNDING TRAFFIC, IN TROUBLESHOOTING ATTEMPT THE DRIVER ENGAGED CLUTCH AND SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL; IMMEDIATELY THE RATTLING BECAME MORE PRONOUNCED. FIFTH GEAR IMMEDIATELY REENGAGED AND NOISE ABATED. DRIVER NAVIGATED VEHICLE UNDER POWER TO RIGHT LANE & SUBSEQUENTLY EXITED EXPRESSWAY. UPON APPROACH TO SIDE STREET TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CLUTCH WAS REENGAGED RESULTING IN A RENEWED RATTLING; TRANSMISSION SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. WHEN CLUTCH WAS LET OUT, THE CONSTANT RATTLING NOISE CONTINUED AS ENGINE IDLED. WITH SIGNAL CHANGE, CLUTCH REENGAGED & TRANSMISSION SHIFTED TO 1ST GEAR. CLUTCH SLOWLY, CAREFULLY RELEASED: NOTICEABLE NOISE INCREASE FOLLOWED BY SHORT SERIES OF LOUD, SHARP NOISES. VEHICLE LURCHED AND STALLED. TWO ATTEMPTS TO RESTART ENGINE FAILED; NO ENGINE RESPONSE. POLICE NOTIFIED & VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. SIGNIFICANT FLUID LEAKAGE NOTICED. SUBSEQUENTLY NOTIFIED BY VW DEALER THAT MAIN SHAFT OF TRANSMISSION CATASTROPHICALLY FAILED PRESSING FLYWHEEL INTO MOTOR DAMAGING CASING, BEARINGS & CRANKSHAFT LOBS RESULTING IN IMMEDIATE SEIZING OF THE DIESEL POWER PLANT. TOTAL REPLACEMENT OF TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE ASSEMBLY REQUIRED (EST ~$11K). THIS VEHICLE HAD ALL MAINTENANCE SERVICE PERFORMED REGULARLY AT 5K INTERVALS BY VW DEALER (DOCUMENTED) AND HAD RECENTLY HAD FULL 100K SERVICE INCLUDING TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT. NO NOTIFICATION/CONCERN FOR ADDITIONAL TRANSMISSION INSPECTION/SERVICE. CLUTCH RECENTLY SEEMED TO BE ENGAGING A WEE BIT FURTHER BUT NO BOTTOMING OF PEDAL OR CLUTCH SLIPPAGE. OWNER EXPECTED TO SCHEDULE CLUTCH INSPECTION/WORK DURING NEXT 5K SERVICE VISIT. *TR
Oct 06, 2010
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
2004 JETTA TDI 4 DOOR SEDAN, IT'S A TURBO DIESEL. THE STALK HAVE TO GOES TO HIGH BEAM IN ORDER FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL TO WORK. THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART, IT HAVE BEEN WITH THIS CAR FOR MANY YEARS BUT WE DO NOT HAVE TIME TO FIX THIS AND IT'S COST LOST OF MONEY TO REPLACE. WHEN CLICK ON THE TURN SIGNAL THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN OFF, IT'S VERY DANGEROUS ON THE FREEWAY. I BELIEVE THIS PARTS OF THE CAR SHOULD BE RECALLED, IT'S DANGEROUS. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING. *TR
Jun 28, 2010
SUSPENSION
1 complaint
I HIT A POT HOLE WITH MY 2004 VW JETTA TDI (I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT). WHEN I TURNED THE CORNER I HEARD A "POPPING" SOUND. DROVE IT TO A NEARBY MECHANIC. THE CLOSET VW DEALER IS 70 MILES AWAY. THE SPRING ON THE DRIVER SIDE WAS BROKEN. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURES DEFECT AS HE HAS NEVER SEEN A SPRING BREAK LIKE THAT. THERE WAS EROSION IN THE SPRING. I STILL HAVE THE SPRING. REPLACED AT $347. CONTACTED THE VW DEALERSHIP. THEY FIRST TRIED TO BRUSH ME OFF SAYING THEY DIDN'T SEE THE POT HOLE ETC. EVENTUALLY THEY GAVE ME THE VW HEADOFFICE PHONE #. BRUSHED OFF THERE TOO AS IT'S OUT OF WARRANTY. IT'S NOT THE WARRANTY. IT'S A FAULTY SPRING THAT WAS PLACED IN MY CAR. IT ALSO RUINED THE SHOCK. *TR
Mar 10, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
INTERMITTENTLY ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON - AT TIMES FOR MINUTES, OTHER TIMES HOURS, EVEN DAYS; THEN GOES OFF. AT TIMES IT GOES OFF WITH INTERVENTION AS DESCRIBED BELOW; OTHER TIMES BY ITSELF. AT TIMES THE ABS LIGHT TURNS ON JUST PRIOR TO BRAKING AT LOW SPEEDS/COASTING; OTHER TIMES IMMEDIATELY AFTER BRAKING, SOMETIMES ALONG WITH A NOISE AND BRAKE PEDAL SINKS SLIGHTLY UNDER MY FOOT PRIOR TO BRAKE BEING APPLIED. OTHER TIMES THE LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY OR CITY STREETS. SINCE 12/2006 HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND 2 OTHER REPAIR FACILITIES WITH ABS LIGHT ON, DIAGNOSTICS ALWAYS SHOW CODE 00283, LEFT FRONT SPEED SENSOR MALFUNCTION, AND SENSOR REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. ABS CONTROL MODULE REPLACED 6/2009 AT SUGGESTION OF DEALER (REQUESTED OLD PART AND IN MY POSSESSION) TO REMEDY PROBLEM, BUT ABS LIGHT HAS COME ON AGAIN TWICE IN 7/2009. *TR
Jul 24, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
VWOA HAD A RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR THE EGR COOLER SYSTEM ON 2004 AND 2005 VW TDI'S. SUBSEQUENT TO THE RECALL CAMPAIGN, THE LOWER EGR FLEX PIPE IS KNOWN TO CRACK ON NUMEROUS VEHICLES IN WHICH THE RECALL CAMPAIGN WAS PERFORMED. WHEN THE EGR PIPE CRACKS, DIESEL EXHAUST IS SUCKED INTO THE CABIN WHEN THE HEATER FAN IS OPERATED CAUSING DISCOMFORT AND LIGHT HEADED FOR THE DRIVER AND OCCUPANTS. VWOA HAS REFUSED TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM AND OFFERS NO SOLUTION TO THE VEHICLE OWNER OR A FIX. NOT ONLY IS IT AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR, BUT IT CAN ALSO BE CAUSING MEDICAL PROBLEMS FOR THE DRIVER AND OCCUPANTS. MY EGR PIPE WAS CRACKED FOR 2-4 MONTHS BEFORE I REALIZED WHAT WAS HAPPENING. IT MAY HAVE BEEN CRACKED LONGER WITH OUT MY KNOWLEDGE. *TR
Nov 18, 2008
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE LATEST INCIDENT WITH THIS 2004 VW JETTA IS ONE IN WHICH EVERYTHING ELECTRIC STOPS WORKING. NO A/C, NOT LIGHTS, NO BLINKERS, NO WINDOWS, NO HORN - AND THERE IS A SMELL OF SMOKE IN THE CAR. THIS FIRST HAPPENED IN JANUARY/08 AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS WIRING. NOW IT HAPPENED AGAIN! OCCURS JUST WHILE DRIVING ALONG. CAR SMELLS LIKE SMOKE AND EVERYTHING STOPS WORKING. I GET THE RUNAROUND FROM THE DEALER, VISTA VW IN POMPANO BEACH, FL. THEY ALWAYS SEEM TO FIND SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CAR NOW THAT IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS - THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THESE JETTA'S! I HAVE FOUND 100'S OF COMPLAINTS ON CONSUMER SITES ABOUT THIS CAR. I AM TIRED OF PAYING MY HARD EARNED DOLLARS TO THE DEALER WHEN THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS CAR. I ADVISED THE DEALER OF THIS WHEN I TOOK IT IN IN JANUARY; HIS RESPONSE WAS, TOO BAD, YOU DO NOT QUALIFY FOR THE CAR LEMON LAW SINCE THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANT AND PURCHASED IT IN DEC/05. PLEASE DO SOMETHING FOR US CONSUMERS THAT ARE TIRED OF BEING MANIPULATED AND OVERCHARGED FOR ISSUES THAT SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE AUTO MANUFACTURER. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS ANYONE OTHER AGENCY I CAN CONTACT. I WILL NOT GIVE UP ON THIS AND HOPE YOU CAN ASSIST ME. THANK YOU. *TR
Sep 16, 2008
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
CLUTCH FAILED AT 52K MILES, WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANT DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR, MECHANIC DEEMED IT A FAULTY PART, VW SAID IT ONLY COVERED MANUFACTURER DEFECTS UP TO 50K MILES, PAID $1500 TO REPLACE CLUTCH. TRUNK POPS OPEN RANDOMLY AND LATCH MAKES CLICKING NOISES. AIR COOLING SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, MY CAR IS READING A RUNNING TEMP OF -54 WHEN IT SHOULD BE 160. CAR STALLS IF I TURN IT OFF AFTER DRIVING MORE THAN A FEW MILES THEN DOESN'T TURN OVER IF THE ENGINE CUTS OFF. BLACK SMOKE POURS OUT OF TAILPIPE AND IT BURNS DOUBLE THE GAS IT SHOULD. LUCKILY THEY EXTENDED THE FACTORY WARRANTY ON THE SENSOR LAST WEEK AND IT CAN BE FIXED FOR FREE AT A VW DEALERSHIP ONLY. *TR
Mar 14, 2008
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING HOME 50-55 MPH CLEAR NIGHT SMOOTH ROAD I HAD NOT NOTICED ANY SIGNS OF MY TIRE BEING LOW I HAVE VALVE CAPS THAT SHOW WHEN TIRE AIR PRESSURE IS LOW AND THEY ALL WERE GREEN THAN I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND MY CAR PULLED TO THE LEFT I PULLED OVER AND NOTICED MY TIRE HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED AT THE SIDEWALL LEAVING ABOUT 2-3 INCHES OF TIRE ON THE RIM AND THE REST WAS IN ONE PIECE BARLEY SITTING ON THE RIM THE TIRE WAS MADE BY NANKANG TOURSPORT 611 DOT 109N OTHER NUMBERS I FOUND ON THE TIRE WERE 517 2306 Z2C, N-2570-3L XR611 RADIAL 195/65 R15 9IH M+S TUBELESS WHEN THE TIRE BLEW OUT AND THE TIRE SEPARATED IT TORE MY ABS SENSOR WIRE AND IM NOT SURE WHAT OTHER DAMAGE MY ALIGNMENT IS NOW OFF AS WELL. *TR
Oct 14, 2007
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
1 complaint
AFTER DRIVING 800 HIGHWAY MILES FROM FLORIDA, WITH 400 MILES LEFT TO GO WE STOPPED FOR THE NIGHT. THE NEXT MORNING THE CAR WAS BUCKING AND REFUSED TO RUN. WE ADDED A FUEL ADDITIVE AND MANUAL SHIFT IN ORDER TO KEEP THE CAR RUNNING AND GET IT HOME. ON AUG. 27TH WE CHANGED THE FUEL FILTER AND TOOK THE CAR FOR A TEST DRIVE. THE CAR STALLED WHEN GOING UP A HILL APRROX. 500 FT FROM HOUSE. IT WOULD NOT RESTART. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER ON AUG. 28TH AND IS STILL THERE ON SEPT. 20TH. SO FAR THEY HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL IN THE TANK AND THE FUEL FILTER, AND THE EGR VALVE WAS REPLACED. THE CAR IS STILL RUNNING SLUGGISH AND BUCKING. THEY CAN'T FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. NEXT THEY WANT TO TAKE APART THE INTAKE MANIFOLD EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE NOT SURE THAT IS THE PROBLEM. THE CAR IS A 2005 AND HALF JETTA DIESEL WITH 63,000 MILES ON IT. THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND IS THE CAR I DEPEND ON TO TAKE MY CHILDREN BACK & FORTH TO SCHOOL (A 20 MILE TRIP ONE WAY). *TR
Sep 21, 2007
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
THE RIGHT REAR HINGE ON THE TRUNK OF MY 2004 JETTA CRACKED ON A JOINT. THIS CAUSED THE TRUNK TO CLOSE IN AN IMBALANCED WAY. I RECENTLY CLOSED MY TRUNK AND THE LEADING EDGE OF THE TRUNK LID MADE CONTACT WITH THE BACK LIGHT (REAR WINDSHIELD) GLASS AND SHATTERED THE GLASS COMPLETELY. THE GLASS FELL INTO THE CAR CREATING A VERY HAZARDOUS SITUATION. WHEN I CONTACTED MY LOCAL VW DEALER TO INQUIRE ABOUT GETTING THE HINGE FIXED, THEY EXPLAINED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON VW JETTA AND PASSATS AND THEY HAVE HAD NUMEROUS SIMILAR FAILURES. I ALSO CONTACTED MY INSURANCE COMPANY (GEICO) AND THEY TOLD ME THE SAME THING, THAT THEY HAD AN UNUSUAL NUMBER OF CLAIMS FROM VW OWNERS OF SHATTERED BACK LIGHTS (REAR WINDSHIELD) AFTER THE TRUNK LID WAS CLOSED BY THE OWNER. IF MY KIDS WERE SITTING IN THE REAR SEAT, THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN SHATTERED WITH GLASS. BECAUSE MY CAR HAS OVER 50,000 MILES I AM OUT OF WARRANTY. I CALLED VW CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS BASICALLY GIVEN THE RUN AROUND. I SAID THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NOT A MILEAGE BASED ISSUE AND THEY SHOULD FIX MY CAR, BUT THEY HAVE REFUSED. *TR
Sep 19, 2007
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
ON 1/25/2007 OUR VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR REPAIR OF AN ENGINE VIBRATION. INITIAL DIAGNOSIS WAS THE TIMING BELT AND IT WAS ADJUSTED APPROXIMATELY 4 DEGREES AND PROMISED TO BE READY ON 1/27/07. BELT ADJUSTMENT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AND CAR WAS NOT PICKED UP. ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSIS WAS PERFORMED, INCLUDING COMPRESSION TEST OF ENGINE, AND TECHNICIAN CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN FOR ASSISTANCE. AFTER WEEKS OF DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING WE WERE TOLD THAT THE IN TANK FUEL PUMP THAT WAS REPLACED AT A DIFFERENT VW DEALERSHIP ON 9/11/06 HAD FAILED. RESEARCHING NHTSA I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS A RECALLED PUMP. BECAUSE THE MILEAGE WAS ALMOST 3K OVER THE WARRANTY OF THE PART AND VW ALREADY SATISFIED THE RECALL VW WOULD NOT COVER A REPLACEMENT. THE NEW FUEL PUMP ALSO DID NOT FIX THE VIBRATION PROBLEM. DEALERS DIAGNOSIS WITH VOLKSWAGEN'S ASSISTANCE CONTINUED UNTIL 2/8/07 WHEN WE WERE TOLD THAT A VALVE LIFTER IN THE CAM ASSEMBLY HAD FAILED CAUSING THE VIBRATION. DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED A COMPLETE "CYLINDER HEAD REPLACEMENT" AT A COST OF ABOUT $4,500. MY HUSBAND ASKED TO SPEAK WITH THE MECHANIC AND DETERMINED THAT THE DAMAGE WAS ONLY TO ONE VALVE LIFTER. MY HUSBAND AND I DECIDED TO FIX WHAT WAS BROKEN AND ONLY FIXED THE DAMAGED LIFTER WHICH WAS ESTIMATED AT ABOUT $500. THE DEALER AGREED TO PERFORM THIS REPAIR, BUT WOULD NOT WARRANTY THE WORK BECAUSE THEY WERE CONCERNED THAT CYLINDER HEAD MIGHT BE FAULTY. OUR VEHICLE WAS FINALLY REPAIRED AND ABLE TO BE PICKED UP ON 2/19/07. COST OF REPAIRS WAS NEGOTIATED WITHIN OUR SATISFACTION, HOWEVER, THE SERVICE WAS NOT TIMELY AND FEEL THAT THE PARTS IN THE VEHICLE ARE BELOW STANDARD. NOW WE HAVE AN ADDITIONAL PROBLEM WE DID NOT HAVE BEFORE TAKING IT IN FOR REPAIR. TWO DAYS AFTER WE RECEIVED THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALERSHIP WE FIGURED OUT THE FUEL GAUGE IS NO LONGER WORKING PROPERLY AND HAS A FALSE READING OF APPROXIMATELY 1/4 TANK WHEN THE TANK IS EMPTY. *JB
Feb 23, 2007
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG AND THE REAR LEFT PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING, PUSHING THE CONTACT TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, AND DAMAGING THE SEAT BELT. A POLICE REPORT AND PHOTOS WERE TAKEN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A WELT ON THE LEFT HIP FROM THE AIRBAG. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A RESIDENCE. THE SERVICE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THE NEXT MORNING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.
Dec 05, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT AND TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V183000, REGARDING THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. ADDITIONALLY, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW GLASS STUCK WITHIN THE WINDOW RETAINER, AND WOULD NOT ROLL UP. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE WINDOW GLASS NEEDED RETAINER CLIPS INSTALLED. AFTERWARDS, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.
Oct 05, 2006
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
THERE IS A FAILURE WITH THE COMPUTER SYSTEM IN THE CAR CAUSING THE CAR TO BREAK EVEN THOUGH FOOT IS ON THE GAS PEDAL. THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO LOOSE SPEED AND I AM UNABLE TO MAKE THE CAR ACCELERATE UNTIL THE CAR IS PLACED IN A LOWER GEAR. VERY HAZARDOUS IN ATLANTA TRAFFIC. I HAVE SPOKEN TO A VW DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY HAVE AGREED TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT WAITED TO MAKE NHTSA AWARE OF THE ISSUE. *JB
Jul 25, 2006
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
WAS DRIVING ALONG AFTER JUST ACCELERATING FROM A STOP LIGHT AND GOT UP TO SPEED (ABOUT 45 MPH). THEN I FELT WHAT I THOUGHT WAS THE ENGINE FALTER, AND THE MOTOR JUST QUIT, NO WARNING WHATSOEVER. NO ODD SOUNDS EITHER. JUST LIKE I TURNED THE KEY "OFF". I COASTED TO A STOP OFF THE ROAD AND TRIED TO START IT A FEW TIMES. JUST CONTINUOUS CRANKING AND NOT EVEN A "COUGH". NO UNUSUAL NOISES, COMPRESSION SEEMED GOOD. TIMING BELT FAILURE APPEARS TO BE RULED OUT. NO EXTERNAL LEAK IN THE FUEL PUMP (THE ONE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT) EITHER. WHEN THE KEY IS TURNED ON, ALL THE NORMAL DASH LIGHTS LIGHT. YESTERDAY, I DID NOTICE A MORE PRONOUNCED SOUND COMING FROM THE IN-TANK LIFT PUMP WHEN I TURNED THE KEY TO "GLOW". AFTER THE ENGINE FAILURE TONIGHT, I COULD NOT HEAR ANY SOUND FROM THE LIFT PUMP. CAR WAS TOWED TO THE VW DEALER SINCE THE WARRANTY WAS STILL IN EFFECT. TODAY (THREE DAYS LATER) THE DEALER CALLED ME AND SAID THE IN-TANK FUEL PUMP FAILED AND IT WOULD BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. *JB
Mar 27, 2006
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,SEATS
1 complaint
OUR 2004 VW JETTA 1.8T HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS FROM A CLICKING/POPPING NOISE IN THE FRONT END AT APPROXMIATELY 10,000 MILES, TO THE TRANSMISSION LOCKING UP WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE. THE CLUTCH/DISC WENT COMPLETELY OUT AT 15,000 MILES. ALL THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS WENT OUT AS MY WIFE WAS DRIVING IN THE DARK ON A NON LIT BACK ROAD TO WORK, TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP BETWEEN 3RD AND 4TH GEARS, TRANSMISSION STILL SLIPPING, BACK DOOR LOCKS DO NOT UN-LOCK WHEN REMOTE IS ACTIVATED, SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS RE-TORQUED EVERYTHING ON VEHICLE BUT THIS HAS NOT MADE PROBLEMS GO AWAY. SINCE MAY 2005, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP HAS HAD MY CAR FORA TOTAL OF 62 DAYS FOR SERVICE AND IT IS STILL NOT FIXED. PROBLEMS CONTINUE TO MOUNT AND THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE MOST PART STATES "THAT THEY CANNOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM." THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED ALL THE WHEEL BEARINGS IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THIS DID NOT STOP THE CLICKING/POPPING NOISE, THEY REPLACED THE CLUTCH DISC THIS DID NOT CLEAR UP THE PROBLEM, THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM COULD NOT BE REPLICATED PER DEALERSHIP, THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO HAVE A WHISTLING NOISE, TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO SLIP. THE DRIVER'S SIDE LEATHER SEAT HAS THE SEAMS POOPING LOOSE AND A PART OF THE FRAME IS PUSHING THROUGH THE LEATHER. TRUNK LATCH HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES. DEALERSHIP STATES CAR IS SAFE TO OPERATE, I BEG TO DIFFER!
Nov 03, 2005
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
DT: THE CALLER HAD THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM REPLACED 5 TIMES. THE WINDOWS/THE ALARM SYSTEM/THE LIGHTS/THE GAUGES, AND THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FAILED. AS THE CALLER INDICATED EVERYTHING ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONED. THE CALLER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND A FEW TIMES HE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. DEALER COULD NEVER GIVE HIM AN ANSWER WHY THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING THESE PROBLEMS. THE MANUFACTURER SAID THEY COULD NOT HELP HIM FOR FREE, AND SINCE THE PROBLEM INCLUDED DIFFERENT COMPONENTS IT DID NOT FALL UNDER THE LEMON LAW. MANUFACTURER SAID THAT IF THE CALLER GOT A LOAN ON THE VEHICLE IT WOULD BE A DIFFERENT SITUATION. *AK
Sep 13, 2005
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
ABOUT A MONTH AND A HALF AGO I STARTED TO NOTICE THAT MY 2004 JETTA GL WAS STARTING TO RUN A LITTLE ROUGH. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEAL AND HAD A TEST DONE ON IT TO FIND OUT THE MY IGNITION COIL WAS BAD. AFTER ABOUT 2 WEEKS THE CHECK ENGINE LIKE CAME ON IT THE CAR AND I CALLED THE DEALER TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. AGAIN MY IGNITION COIL HAD GONE BAD. THEN YET ANOTHER TIME A WEEK AND A HALF LATER THE SAME ISSUE. THE IGNITION COIL HAD GONE BAD. THREE DAYS LATER AFTER THAT INCIDENT I WAS DRIVING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THIS WAS THE FORTH TIME THAT I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS TIME THE DEALER CHANGED THE WIRING HARNESS AND SAID THAT THAT WAS THE PROBLEM SHOULD BE CURED. ALL OF THE TIMES THAT I PICKED UP THE CAR FROM THE DEALER I NOTICED THAT THE IDLE IT THE CAR WAS STILL A LITTLE ROUGH AND NEEDLE FOR THE TACOMETER WAS MOVING SLIGHTLY. I AM STILL WEARY TO SAY THAT THE CAR IS FIXED AND FEAR SOMETHING MORE EXSTENSICE IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. THE CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND THE PARTS WERE REPLACED BUT CONSUMER SATISFACTION IS LOW.
Aug 24, 2005
INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
IHAVE A 2004 VW JETTA WAGON. THE INSTRUMENTS ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE IN SOME LIGHTING CONDITIONS, ESPECIALLY THE SPEEDOMETER. THE NEDDLE IS A DARK, NON REFLECTIVE RED AGAINST A BLACK BACKGROUND. WITH A BRIGHT FOREGROUND OUTSIDE, THE SPEEDOMETER CANNOT BE SEEN, EVEN WITH THE LIGHTS TURNED BRIGHT. I E-MAILED VW, BUT NEVER RECEIVED AN ANSWER.
Jul 16, 2005
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
AUTO: 2004 JETTA GLS 1.8T ON 4/20/2005, THE DEALERSHIP "RIVERBANK MOTORS" IN STAMFORD CT HAD TO RETORQUE TURBO TO EXH MANIFOLD BOLTS. CAR WAS RETURNED FIXED. AFTER ROAD TEST. ON 7/1 2005 THE FRONT END EXHAUST DICONNECTED AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP BECUASE IT WAS UNDRIVABLE. ALL WARRANTIED. AFTER BEING TOLD NUMEROUS STORIES AND MISSCOMMUNICATIONS THE SERVICE DEPT INFORMED US THAT THIS TIME THE BOLTS WERE STRIPPED AND THE ENTIRE TURBO UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. BROUGHT THE CAR BACK FOR THE 2ND TIME SINCE THE BOLTS WERE ONLY TEMPORARILY TIGHTENED. THE DEALER IS REPLACING THE TURBO UNIT UNDER WARRANTY BUT CANNOT EXPLAIN WHY OR HOW THE BOLTS WERE STRIPPED. "YOUR GUESS IS AS GOOD AS MINE" WAS THE ANSWER I RECEIVED FROM THE SERVICE DIRECTOR. FORTUNATELY FOR ME ALL WARRANTY!!!! CAR IS 1 YEAR OLD
Jul 07, 2005
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
VEHICLE STALLED WHEN BEING DRIVEN AT A CONSTANT SPEED. ALSO, SUN ROOF CLOSED HALF WAY. *AK
Aug 11, 2004
PARKING BRAKE
1 complaint
PARKED CAR ON RELATIVELY FLAT DRIVEWAY (MAYBE 3 DEGREE GRADE). DID NOT PUT CAR IN GEAR BUT DID ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE. ABOUT 15-20 MINUTES LATER, CAR WAS SEEN ROLLING DOWN/ACROSS THE DRIVEWAY AND OVER AN EMBANKMENT. IT CAME TO REST AGAINST A TREE AND INCURRED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE BODY.
Apr 14, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
PURCHASED 2004 VW JETTA GLI ON 3/5/04 WITH DELIVERY ON 3/7/04. CAR HAD 41 MILES AT DELIVERY. BY MONDAY, 3/8/04 NOTICED BURNING SMELL ON DRIVER'S SIDE OF CAR WHILE SHIFITING BETWEEN 1ST & 3RD GEARS. ALSO NOTICED VIBRATION IN BRAKE PEDAL AT IDLE AND VIBRATION IN STEERING COLUMN WHILE BRAKING. COMPLAINED AT DEALERSHIP THAT CAR WAS FAILING WITH 181 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. SERVICE TECH TEST DROVE THE CAR WITH ME. COULD NOT IDENTIFY BURNING SMELL, BUT SUGGESTED I TRY DRIVING THE CAR WITHOUT THE SEAT HEATERS ON TO SEE IF IT MADE ANY DIFFERENCE (IT DIDN'T). DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THERE'D BE A CONNECTION BETWEEN RPM'S AND THE SEAT HEATERS. WILL HAVE TO GO GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO CARRY IN THE CAR AS A PRECAUTION, I SUPPOSE. MAJOR PROBLEM WAS THE VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL UPON BRAKING. TURNS OUT ALL 4 BRAKE ROTORS WERE WARPED (AT 181 MILES???). TECHNICIAN REPLACED ALL 4 BRAKE ROTORS AND FRONT BRAKE PADS. VIBRATION IN BRAKE PEDAL AT IDLE WAS EXPLAINED AS BRAKE VACUUM PUMP REGENERATING PRESSURE. SALES MANAGER I SPOKE WITH COULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY I WAS UPSET SINCE THEY WERE WILLING TO FIX THE CAR.*AK
Mar 11, 2004
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2004 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta have?
The 2004 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta currently has 233 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2004 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta?
The most common problems reported for the 2004 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2004 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2004 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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